Hamas Executes Alleged Food Looters Amid Growing Lawlessness and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Hamas has executed a number of alleged looters after several incidents in which heavily armed gangs attacked food stores and community kitchens in the Gaza Strip

Hamas has carried out executions against a number of individuals accused of looting food stores and community kitchens in the Gaza Strip, amid a surge in violent incidents involving armed gangs. The executions, described by Hamas officials as “revolutionary rulings,” targeted what they labeled top criminals, some of whom were allegedly collaborating with Israel.

The Gaza Interior Ministry reported that heavily armed criminal groups had launched attacks on food distribution centers and civilian property. In one confrontation, an Israeli drone strike killed a police officer and injured others who were pursuing suspects in Gaza City. The ministry vowed to respond forcefully, stating: "We will strike with an iron fist all these renegades… we will not allow them to continue terrorising citizens, threatening their lives, and stealing their property."

Hamas officials claimed some of the looters were acting under clan protection or in organized units receiving direct support from Israel. Though Israel has not commented on the accusations, Hamas emphasized that the current wave of criminal activity was not spontaneous but coordinated and harmful to Gaza's social fabric.

Hamas has executed a number of looters after several incidents in which heavily armed gangs attacked food stores and community kitchens in the Gaza Strip

To combat the escalating lawlessness, Hamas has imposed nightly curfews beginning at 9 p.m., restricting civilian movement in an effort to isolate and apprehend criminal groups. Gaza residents have reported increasing fear due to gangs robbing civilians at gunpoint, stealing food, money, and personal belongings.

The Palestinian enclave is facing an intensifying humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israel's ongoing military operations and blockade, which has limited the flow of aid into the region for over two months. United Nations agencies have raised alarms about worsening food insecurity and public order collapse in Gaza. While Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to prevent aid diversion by Hamas, the prolonged restrictions have led to civilian unrest and rare public protests against the ruling authority.

The SAFA news agency reported that a new 5,000-member internal security force has been established to counter criminal gangs. However, their effectiveness has been hindered by Israeli drone attacks targeting any armed Palestinian presence, regardless of affiliation.

Despite a ceasefire in January, renewed large-scale Israeli military operations since March have drastically reduced Hamas’ ability to maintain public order. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 40 people across Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 52,500 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.