Appeal comes after the Islamist group released a video showing executions on the streets of the enclave
The main commander of the US, Admiral Brad Cooper, asked this Wednesday (15) to stop shooting at Palestinian civilians and suspend acts of violence in the . The appeal comes after the Islamist group released a video showing executions on the streets of the enclave. “We strongly urge Hamas to immediately halt violence and shootings against innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” Cooper, who commands the US Armed Forces Central Command (Centcom), said in a statement.
Since the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, under the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Hamas has strengthened its control over devastated areas of the territory and executed people accused of collaborating with .
Cooper urged the group to seize the “historic opportunity for peace” and adhere to President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point plan, which calls for the immediate disarmament of Hamas. “We have conveyed our concerns to the mediators who have agreed to work with us to protect innocent civilians in Gaza,” the commander added.
The video published by Hamas shows eight people blindfolded and chained, identified by the group as “Israeli collaborators and criminals”, being shot dead. The images were reportedly recorded on Monday night (13), amid clashes between Hamas forces and armed Palestinian clans, some allegedly supported by Israel.
With the Israeli withdrawal from the north of the Gaza Strip, Hamas security forces returned to patrolling the streets, according to local witnesses. “Our message is clear: there will be no place for criminals or those who threaten the security of citizens,” said a Palestinian security source. Both Israel and the United States reiterate that Hamas should have no role in a future government in Gaza, a position reaffirmed by American officials since the beginning of the ceasefire negotiations.
*With information from AFP
