Imagine watching a video of people being executed in the street. That chilling reality is what's unfolding in Gaza, and the reasons behind it are deeply complex and disturbing. Hamas fighters are reportedly executing Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel, raising serious questions about justice, power, and the future of the region. This isn't just about isolated incidents; it's a pattern, and it demands our attention.
Debora Patta, a senior foreign correspondent for CBS News based in Johannesburg, has been reporting on major international stories across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe since 2013. Her work, recognized with numerous awards including the Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards, brings critical insights to global events. This report, filed on October 15, 2025, at 9:05 PM EDT, sheds light on the grim situation in Gaza following the recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
In a video obtained by CBS News, armed Hamas fighters are seen standing over Palestinians accused of being collaborators. Moments later, these accused individuals are executed. Hamas claims these actions are necessary to restore law and order in the Gaza Strip and to deter others. But here's where it gets controversial: are these executions acts of justice, or brutal displays of power by a group designated as a terrorist organization?
Gershon Baskin, an Israeli hostage negotiator, provides a stark assessment: "Hamas is killing them because they can." He describes Hamas as a criminal organization that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, emphasizing the absence of a democratic, liberal regime. Baskin's perspective highlights the long-standing concerns about human rights and the rule of law under Hamas's control. And this is the part most people miss: the situation isn't black and white.
Baskin further reveals a controversial strategy employed by Israel during the conflict: arming Palestinian militia groups opposed to Hamas. The goal was to weaken Hamas's power by supporting rival factions, even those involved in illegal activities like drug dealing and smuggling. "Israel has empowered, with weapons and money, gangs of Palestinians... as an alternative to Hamas," Baskin explains, adding that this approach is ultimately unsustainable. This raises a crucial question: can empowering criminal elements ever lead to a stable and just society? Was this a calculated risk, or a desperate measure with unforeseen consequences? It's certainly a point of contention.
Even President Trump acknowledged the violence perpetrated by Hamas against these Palestinian militia groups. "They did take out a couple of gangs that were very bad gangs, very, very bad," Trump told reporters, suggesting a degree of indifference to the killings. This statement, while perhaps reflecting a pragmatic view of realpolitik, raises ethical concerns about condoning violence, even against those deemed "bad."
The U.S.-brokered peace deal, still in its initial phase, envisions an interim governing body composed of qualified Palestinians and international experts, overseen by a "Board of Peace" chaired by Mr. Trump. However, this governing structure has yet to materialize, leaving a significant power vacuum in Gaza. As Baskin points out, "There is no governance in Gaza, there are no schools, there are no government ministries, there's nowhere for anyone to go to get any help. There is a vacuum of a governance in Gaza right now." This lack of governance exacerbates the existing problems and creates an environment ripe for further instability and violence.
The situation in Gaza is a complex web of political maneuvering, power struggles, and human suffering. The alleged executions by Hamas are a symptom of a deeper crisis, one that demands a comprehensive and nuanced understanding. What responsibility do external actors, like Israel and the United States, bear for the current state of affairs? Are there viable alternatives to Hamas's rule that would ensure the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people? And perhaps most importantly, how can the international community work towards a just and lasting peace in the region? What do you think? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
