The article below was first published by the Israeli daily Haaretz on October 14, 2025.

It describes efforts by Hamas to reassert control in Gaza in the aftermath of the ceasefire that went into effect there four days earlier.

As Karim, a 32-year-old Palestinian in Gaza, recently said, “Even if all of Gaza becomes one big cemetery, Hamas will strive to run this cemetery. They won’t give up their rule easily.” (See How Gazans See Their Future With or Without Hamas.)

We are publishing this article for the information of our readers. The headline, subhead, text, and photos that follow are from the original.

— World-Outlook editors

*

Gaza in Turmoil: Hamas and Militias Clash Amid Executions in Bid to ‘Restore Order’

Sources affiliated with Hamas claimed that the group seeks to tighten its control and is acting against ‘criminals and collaborators.’ On Monday, footage emerged showing a public execution in Gaza City, with reports stating that Hamas executed four men accused of spying for Israel

By Jack Khoury

04:59 PM • October 14, 2025, IDT

A shootout between Hamas forces and local armed fighters, described by local sources as “criminals or collaborators,” broke out in Gaza City on Tuesday morning [October 14, 2025], according to reports, as tensions rise within Gaza following a series of violent clashes in recent days.

Sources affiliated with Hamas said the operation aimed to “restore order” and reestablish the group’s control after a period of security instability. Opponents of Hamas, however, claimed it was an act of intimidation and an attempt to assert control on the ground before the arrival of an Arab or international force.

On Monday, a disturbing video surfaced showing a public execution in Gaza City. According to multiple reports, a Hamas force executed four men accused of “spying for Israel.” 

The execution took place in front of a large crowd at the end of Sunday and was recorded on mobile phones. The footage circulated on social media, prompting mixed reactions, ranging from support for the fight against collaborators to sharp criticism over the violent enforcement and human rights violations.

These recent events underscore growing internal tensions in Gaza, marked by an increase in clashes between Hamas security forces and local armed groups amid mutual accusations of collaboration with Israel and attempts to challenge Hamas’s control over the territory.

A spokesman for European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday expressed the EU’s concern over “reports that we have seen of multiple deaths in Gaza due to clashes between Hamas and gang members.”

“We encourage all parties to act with restraint and not engage in activities that could threaten the cease-fire,” he added.

Meanwhile, local sources reported that five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli Air Force strike on the Shujaiyeh neighborhood in Gaza City. An IDF spokesperson said the suspects crossed a “yellow line” and approached Israeli forces, opening fire after failing to retreat. 

Three additional Palestinians were reportedly killed by IDF fire in southern Gaza after allegedly attempting to approach military positions in the area.

If you appreciate this article, subscribe to World-Outlook (for free) by clicking on the link below.

Type your email in the box below and click on “SUBSCRIBE.” You will receive a notification in your in-box on which you will have to click to confirm your subscription.