Hamas execution video shatters fragile Gaza peace with US President Donald Trump’s plan in doubt

WARNING: Graphic content

The brief peace in Gaza collapsed within hours, as shocking new violence broke out.

While US President Donald Trump and other world leaders celebrated a new period of calm, Hamas fighters in Gaza City dragged seven men into a small square, forced them to kneel, and executed them in front of bystanders.

A video posted by Reuters appears to show the killings, with gunmen raising automatic weapons and firing dozens of rounds. Reuters verified the footage and cited a Hamas source confirming the executions took place on Monday night, local time.

One account said the men were killed for being “collaborators” with Israel, showing Hamas is again taking control of the streets.

Mr Trump’s 20-point peace plan begins with a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, followed by amnesty for Hamas fighters who give up their weapons and a transitional authority to run Gaza. But Monday’s events suggest Hamas has no intention of leaving Gaza, it wants to take charge again.

Few people have seen what’s happening firsthand, as most foreign media are banned from entering Gaza. The BBC reports Hamas has mobilised 7000 fighters, while Reuters estimates at least 33 people have been killed since Monday.

Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians in northern Gaza who “did not comply with orders to stop,” according to the IDF. The Gaza Health Ministry said three people were killed.

Israel has pulled back to the positions it held last August but still controls about half of Gaza, land Hamas claims as its own, raising the risk of more clashes.

While US President Donald Trump has claimed Hamas agreed to disarm and was warned by Washington it would be forcibly disarmed if it refused.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr Trump said the militant group could be disarmed “violently,” adding: “I spoke to Hamas, and I said, ‘You’re going to disarm, right?’ ‘Yes, sir. We’re going to disarm.’ — That’s what they told me.”

When asked how he would do that he responded, “I don’t have explain that to you, but if they don’t disarm, we will disarm them. They know I’m not playing games.”

Mr Trump said it would happen “quickly and perhaps violently.”

A separate problem is also threatening the ceasefire. Hamas promised to hand over the bodies of 28 hostages who died in captivity but has released only eight.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called for Israeli leaders to suspend the ceasefire until all remain are returned, saying: “An agreement must be honoured by both sides. If Hamas does not fulfil their part, Israel should not fulfil its part either.”

Israel allowed 600 aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday when the ceasefire began but told the UN it will cut that number to 300 as Hamas fails to keep its promises. Reports say the Rafah crossing could soon be shut.