Hamas, a terrorist organization that rules Gaza, executed five Palestinians on Sunday, two of whom were accused of espionage for Israel dating back to 2009 and 2015, the group's Interior Minister said.
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The executions, by hanging or firing squad, were the first known cases in the Palestinian territories since 2017. Past instances of capital punishment in Gaza drew international criticism.
The statement did not provide full names for any of the executed. The two alleged spies, aged 44 and 54, had reportedly provided Israel with information that led to the killing of Palestinians.
Hamas claimed the execution was carried out "after the conclusion of all legal procedures. The rulings had been final, with implementation mandatory, after all of the convicted were accorded full rights to defend themselves."
Palestinian and international human rights groups have condemned the death penalty and urged Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to end the practice.
Palestinian law says President Mahmoud Abbas has final word on whether executions can be carried out, but he has no effective rule in Gaza. In 2007, Hamas seized control of Gaza from Abbas, and its courts have sentenced dozens of Palestinians to death, and have executed 27 so far, according to human rights groups.
