Condemnation for Hamas execution of Israeli ‘spies’

THREE Palestinians accused of spying for Israel were executed by the Hamas authorities in Gaza as Hamas lifted its closure of the Erez border crossing.

Their hanging was condemned by the rival Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which has placed a mora- torium on executions, Palestinian news agency Maan reported.

The EU also “strongly” condemned the executions, saying death sentences constituted an “unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity”.

Gaza interior ministry’s closure of the Erez border followed the assassination of leading Hamas member, Mazen Fuqahaa, several weeks ago, which is believed to have been carried out by Palestinians working for Israel. Hamas accused the assassins of arriving in Gaza by sea.

Gaza’s coastline is controlled by the Israelis as part of its blockade. Hamas not only closed the Erez border crossing, but implemented freedom-of-movement restrictions on Gazans to stop the escape of the collaborators.

These prevented Palestinians from carrying out raids into homes where they suspected the spies to have been. Initially, even Palestinians working for NGOs, including the UN, were prevented from leaving Gaza until the UN stepped in.

Hamas has yet to show evidence to support its accusation that Israel was respon- sible for Fuqahaa’s killing and the attorney-general in the Palestinian territory has issued a gag order banning publication of any information about the investigation.

The group warned it would continue investigations into “traitors” and declared “a week of repentance”, giving those working with Israel a chance to turn themselves in. – ANA