Gaza’s Hamas rulers put to death 3 accused of killing member
GAZA, Palestinian Territory — Hamas said Thursday it put to death three men it had accused of killing a senior member of the militant Islamic group that rules Gaza in March.
Hamas’ Interior Ministry told reporters that two men were hanged and one was killed by firing squad Thursday. The three received death sentences Sunday after a brief, week-long special military court found them guilty of killing Mazen Faqha. Local rights groups slammed the trial, calling it unprecedented given its speed.
The executions took place at a police headquarters and was attended by hundreds of people, including Hamas officials and community leaders.
The death of Faqha, a shadowy senior figure in Hamas’ military wing, shocked Hamas, which has ruled Gaza with an iron fist for the past decade.