Hamas Executes Alleged Spy Linked to IDF Operations
A security wing affiliated with Hamas has executed a man accused of espionage, claiming he collaborated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to facilitate the targeted killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of the Al-Qassam Brigades' military operations. This execution was carried out by the Resistance Security apparatus, which charged the individual with assisting Israeli military intelligence and guiding tactical strikes in Gaza, culminating in the May 15 elimination of al-Haddad in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in central Gaza City.
While Hamas did not officially claim responsibility for the execution, local indicators suggest that members of the Al-Qassam Brigades were involved. The Resistance Security branch stated that the execution followed the exhaustion of all revolutionary procedures against the suspect, identified only by the initials "M.M.". They alleged that he maintained direct communication with Israeli intelligence services and was responsible for several attacks that resulted in the deaths of Palestinians during the ongoing conflict.
In a warning to potential collaborators, the Resistance Security apparatus stated, "this is the fate of collaborators who cooperate with the occupation and align themselves with its schemes aimed at undermining the steadfastness and unity of our people." Hamas has a history of executing individuals accused of espionage, despite a moratorium on executions imposed by Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in Ramallah. Hamas, however, no longer recognizes Abbas's authority and has previously asserted that it can carry out death sentences without his approval.
Most of Hamas's executions target alleged Israeli spies. In July, the internal security unit of Hamas announced the execution of 12 individuals for alleged collaboration with Israel and other criminal activities. This recent execution follows a senior Hamas official's statement that the organization plans to conduct public executions of individuals it claims acted as Israeli agents involved in the deaths of Al-Qassam Brigades members.
