Amnesty Demands Hamas Halt Extrajudicial Killings in Gaza

Amnesty International on August 21 urged Hamas to end executions without trial amid Gaza conflict.

On August 21, 2026, Amnesty International released a statement demanding that Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip immediately cease extrajudicial executions. These are killings carried out without any legal trial or due process, often targeting people accused of collaborating with Israeli forces.

In July 2026, Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, executed a man allegedly acting as an informant. The group also announced intentions to carry out additional executions against other alleged collaborators. By bypassing courts and failing to afford suspects a fair trial, these actions violate international human rights standards.

A June 2026 United Nations report documented 249 cases of extrajudicial killings and related violence in Gaza from August 2024 through early 2026. Of these, 60 incidents involved forces affiliated with Hamas. Amnesty International confirmed nine unlawful killings by Hamas after the October 2025 ceasefire.

Although Hamas officials have announced internal investigations, Amnesty reports no individuals have faced justice or accountability for these unlawful killings as of August 2026. This impunity complicates the enforcement of legal standards and protection of human rights in Gaza.

Legal experts such as those at the International Committee of the Red Cross highlight that even in conflicts involving non-state armed groups, international humanitarian law requires that all detainees receive fair trials. Extrajudicial executions starkly contradict these principles.

This situation poses significant challenges for legal professionals and human rights advocates striving to maintain rule of law and ensure civilian protection amid ongoing violence. It underscores the critical importance of thorough documentation, transparency, and international monitoring to promote accountability.