Masked Hamas members execute group in Gaza amidst ceasefire

Violent conflicts erupted between Hamas and rival groups in various areas of Gaza, including an incident that culminated in an apparent public execution, raising concerns about security following Israel’s withdrawal from parts of the territory. Reports of violence were widely shared on social media channels, with a particularly gruesome video showing a group of masked fighters, some wearing green Hamas headbands, killing eight blindfolded individuals in a square in Gaza City as crowds watched – a possible sign of the brutality Hamas is using to reaffirm itself as a security force. CNN verified the location where the video was filmed, the Al Sabra neighborhood in western Gaza City, but could not independently confirm when the incident took place. However, the incident likely occurred after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect, as Israeli troops were already operating in the area before that. The damage to buildings seen in the video suggests it was shot recently.