US military chief urges Hamas to stop executions of Palestinian civilians in Gaza
The top US military commander in the Middle East on Wednesday called on Hamas to immediately halt its violence against Palestinian civilians after the group released a video showing several street executions of individuals it accused of collaborating with 'Israel'.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said in a statement:
"We strongly urge Hamas to immediately suspend violence and shooting at innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza, in both Hamas-held parts of Gaza and those secured by the IDF behind the Yellow Line."
CENTCOM officials noted that none of the dozens of executions carried out in recent days occurred in areas controlled by the 'Israeli' military.
Cooper added: "This is an historic opportunity for peace. Hamas should seize it by fully standing down, strictly adhering to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, and disarming without delay."
He further said the US has communicated its concerns to mediators working to enforce the peace and protect civilians in Gaza, expressing optimism about the potential for lasting stability in the region.
The comments from CENTCOM come just hours after President Donald Trump defended the crackdown in Gaza, telling reporters, "That didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you. That’s okay. It’s a couple of very bad gangs. It’s no different than other countries like Venezuela [that have] sent their gangs into [the US]."
Few days ago, footage circulated on Palestinian social media platforms appeared to show members of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades carrying out field executions of several people in broad daylight in central Gaza, accusing them of “treason and collaboration with Israel.”
The incidents reportedly took place a day after intense clashes in Gaza City, as part of a wider security campaign launched by the resistance’s security forces to “restore order and cleanse the internal front” following the partial withdrawal of ‘Israeli’ forces under the ceasefire agreement.
