Germany says public execution of Gazans ‘act of terrorism’, CENTCOM chief calls on Hamas to halt killings
There have been widespread clashes between Hamas and rival militias in the past few days as they fight for dominance following the withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) as part of the ceasefire deal.
October 15, 2025 09:36 PM IST
First published on: Oct 15, 2025 at 09:36 PM IST
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Fighters from the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, control the crowd as Red Cross vehicles manoeuvre to collect Israeli hostages to be released under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)
Following the emergence of shocking videos from Gaza showing Hamas militants publicly executing their opponents, a German foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said that the killings constitute acts of terror against the population.
Hamas executes rivals in Gaza
At least eight men, who were blindfolded, were publicly executed by a group of masked men wearing green Hamas headbands in a square in Gaza City, while a large crowd watched on.
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Hamas has been trying to assert dominance in Gaza following the Israeli withdrawal. (Photo: Screengrab)
According to reports, there have been widespread clashes between Hamas and rival militias in the past few days as they fight for dominance following the withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) as part of the ceasefire deal.
Following the Israeli withdrawal, Hamas’ internal security forces were seen on the streets of Gaza City on Saturday and the militant group in a post on Telegram said “a number of collaborators and informants were apprehended and arrested in Gaza City, after it was proven that they were involved in spying for the enemy,” as well as “participating in the assassination of several resistance members.”
Hamas gunmen stand guard as ICRC vehicles transporting released Israeli hostages head toward the Israeli border in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Palestinian Authority condemn Hamas
On Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority (PA) condemned the Hamas summary executions in Gaza, calling them “heinous crimes” that have no justification and reflect the militant group’s insistence on ruling through force and terror.
Didn’t bother me: Trump
US President Donald Trump, however, downplayed the incident, saying the killings “didn’t bother me much.”
“That didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you. That’s okay. It’s a couple of very bad gangs,” Trump had said.
US commander urges Hamas to halt executions
But on Wednesday, the commander of US forces in the Middle East called on Hamas to immediately halt violent action against Palestinian civilians.
“We strongly urge Hamas to immediately suspend violence and shooting at innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza – in both Hamas-held parts of Gaza and those secured by the IDF behind the Yellow Line,” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement.
Masked Hamas gunmen take positions in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, ahead of handing over Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
“This is a historic opportunity for peace. Hamas should seize it by fully standing down, strictly adhering to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, and disarming without delay,” Cooper said.
“We have conveyed our concerns to the mediators who agreed to work with us to enforce the peace and protect innocent Gaza civilians. We remain highly optimistic for the future of peace in the region,” he added.
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Fighters from the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, control the crowd as Red Cross vehicles manoeuvre to collect Israeli hostages to be released under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar) 
