Key facts
- The UN Human Rights Office condemned the execution of a Palestinian man accused of collaborating with Israeli forces.
- The execution was carried out by a group affiliated with Hamas.
- The UN stated the killing is part of a pattern of unlawful killings in Gaza.
- The UN reported allegations of torture and ill-treatment by Hamas-affiliated units.
- The UN called for accountability for perpetrators of unlawful killings and torture.
The UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has condemned the "extrajudicial execution" of a Palestinian man on July 1, 2026, by a group identifying as "Resistance Security," which is affiliated with Hamas. The UN stated that this killing is part of a broader pattern of unlawful killings and alleged abuses in Gaza, involving dozens of Palestinians since the October 2025 ceasefire. These individuals were primarily accused of collaborating with Israeli forces or working with armed elements allegedly backed by Israel.
The UN office also reported allegations of torture and ill-treatment by armed units affiliated with Hamas against those suspected of collaboration or criminal activity. The organization emphasized that unlawful killings and torture constitute war crimes and grave violations of international human rights law. It called upon Gaza's de facto authorities to investigate these reports, prevent further abuses by security forces, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Historically, Hamas has conducted executions of suspected Palestinian collaborators and Fatah rivals, particularly during previous conflicts. Collaborating with Israel is a crime punishable by death in Gaza. In the period of September to October 2025, Hamas carried out public executions of individuals accused of being spies for Israel, with reports indicating over 33 men were killed. These events occurred before and after a ceasefire in the 2023-present Gaza War and the implementation of a Gaza peace plan, which some analysts viewed as an attempt by Hamas to maintain authority within the Gaza Strip. The UN also noted that Israeli military operations since the October 2025 ceasefire have resulted in over 1,000 deaths, with Israeli forces continuing to target de facto police personnel.