Amnesty International Urges Hamas to Halt Pending Death Sentences in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

Amnesty International has expressed concerns over potential executions in Gaza, as high-ranking officials have signaled their intention to carry out death sentences against those convicted of "collaboration" with Israel and "murder". This could be the first time executions are carried out in Gaza since 2005. Since seizing control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has not executed anyone, but its military courts have handed down numerous death sentences after proceedings that failed to meet international fair trial standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amnesty International has urged Hamas not to carry out pending death sentences, citing concerns over fair trial standards and the risk of retrograde steps in the context of a worldwide moratorium on executions.
  • Since 2007, Hamas has not executed anyone, but its military courts have handed down at least 14 death sentences, with many more potentially facing execution.
  • Hamas's Attorney General, Mohammed Abed, has announced plans to ratify outstanding death sentences, including those for people convicted of "collaboration" and murder.
  • Hamas's Interior Minister, Fathi Hammad, has stated that the Ministry will proceed with executing prisoners convicted of "collaboration", despite objections from local human rights organizations.
  • Prior to Hamas's takeover, the last known executions in Gaza were carried out in June and July 2005, with four men hanged and one killed by firing squad.
  • Hamas's de-facto administration in Gaza lacks trained personnel, accountability mechanisms, and safeguards, raising concerns over the fairness of military trials and the potential for arbitrary executions.

Statistics:

  • At least 14 people have been sentenced to death by military courts in Gaza since 2009 on charges of "collaboration", treason, and murder.
  • The last known executions in Gaza took place in June and July 2005, resulting in five deaths.
  • The Hamas-appointed General Prosecution Office in Gaza has begun the process of ratifying death sentences, including those for people convicted of "collaboration" and murder.
  • The PA President, Mahmoud Abbas, has suspended operations of PA security forces and judicial institutions in Gaza, creating a legal and institutional vacuum.

Sources:

  • "Amnesty International Urges Hamas to Halt Pending Death Sentences in Gaza" (n.d.). Amnesty International USA.
  • "Hamas threatens to execute prisoners for collaboration with Israel" (April 23, 2019). International Juristic.
  • "Gaza's Islamists start to take on Hamas rule" (November 14, 2007). World Jewish Congress.