Hamas security forces intensified their presence in the streets of Gaza’s devastated cities on Tuesday to maintain law and order, carrying out executions of alleged “collaborators,” while U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “disarm” the movement.
اضافة اعلان
Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced late Tuesday–Wednesday that the bodies of four prisoners handed over by Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross were transferred to Israel, joining four others delivered the previous day, alongside the release of 20 living captives.
A military statement said: “Four coffins of deceased hostages… recently crossed the border into Israel,” noting that forensic examinations would confirm their identities.
Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV released a video showing eight handcuffed men executed in Gaza, described as “collaborators and outlaws,” after the Israeli army withdrew as part of the ceasefire agreement.
The video, apparently recorded Monday, comes as a Hamas security unit conducts operations against clans and armed groups suspected of receiving Israeli support. In northern Gaza, following the Israeli withdrawal, Hamas police resumed street patrols.
Since Monday, fighters from Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, have organized crowds and maintained order during the arrival of Palestinian detainees released by Israel under the ceasefire. A witness, Yahya, told AFP: “Violent clashes erupted and continue as part of efforts to eliminate collaborators for the occupation.”
Explosions and Arrests
Mohammed, a Gaza resident, said to AFP: “This morning we witnessed hours of fierce clashes between Hamas security forces and members of the Hallas family,” in the Shuja’iya neighborhood near the so-called “Yellow Line,” where Israeli units still control about half of Gaza. He added: “We heard heavy gunfire and explosions, and security forces arrested several people. We support this measure,” requesting anonymity for safety.
A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed that Hamas’ “Deterrence Force” is conducting ongoing field operations “to ensure security and stability,” emphasizing that there is no room for lawbreakers or those threatening citizens’ safety.
Hamas formed this force after taking control of Gaza to enforce order against any opposing entities. Israel insists that Hamas play no role in Gaza’s governance and demands the return of prisoners’ bodies and the group’s disarmament.
Trump’s plan envisions Hamas being disarmed and excluded from managing Gaza, with amnesty offered to those who surrender their weapons. On Tuesday, at the White House, Trump said: “If they do not give up their arms, we will handle it,” adding: “It will happen quickly, and possibly violently.”
The 20-point agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh stipulates that Gaza be demilitarized and Hamas removed from governance. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized in a CBS interview that the deal requires both the return of all prisoner remains and Hamas’ disarmament.
Public Reactions
Many Palestinians, picking up their lives amid Gaza’s rubble, expressed relief at the presence of Hamas security forces. Abu Fadi Al-Banna (34) from Deir al-Balah said: “After the war ended and police spread through the streets, we began to feel safe. They organized traffic, cleaned markets, and removed street vendors who blocked the roads. We felt protected from thugs and thieves.”
Hamdia Shamiya (40), displaced from northern Gaza to Khan Younis, added: “We finally began to breathe. Our lives now require patience, order, and the security that the police are restoring. We’ve already noticed slight improvements.”
Meanwhile, Israeli families increased pressure to recover the remains of 24 prisoners still in Gaza, after the return of 20 living captives and four identified bodies—three Israelis and a Nepali student named Bevin Joshi.
The agreement calls for the return of all prisoners, alive and deceased, and Israeli families and officials demand Hamas’ compliance. Rotem Cooper, awaiting his father’s body, said on Tuesday: “It’s difficult. Yesterday we had highs and lows, and now we are completely despondent.”
Among the four bodies returned Monday was Yossi Sharabi, abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri at age 53. His wife, Nira Sharabi, issued a statement via the Israeli Prisoners’ Families Forum, expressing relief at ending “a nightmare lasting over two years and giving Yossi the dignified burial he deserved.”
Trump’s Visit and Regional Agreement
On Monday, Trump visited Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, following Israel, delivering a speech before the Knesset describing “the dawn of a historic new Middle East” and celebrating the ceasefire and Gaza plan with Netanyahu. In Egypt, he joined regional leaders to sign a declaration aimed at solidifying the ceasefire.
On his return to Washington, Trump avoided a direct answer regarding a two-state solution, saying: “Many prefer a one-state solution, others a two-state solution… we’ll see. I will decide what I deem correct, in coordination with other countries.”
— (Agencies)
