Hamas Reportedly Tortured and Executed Its Own Members Over Same-Sex Relations
A shocking report has emerged detailing how Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that carried out the brutal October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, allegedly tortured and executed some of its own members who engaged in same-sex relations. According to secret documents obtained and reviewed by news agencies, Hamas identified 94 of its recruits as having violated its "morality checks," with charges ranging from engaging in homosexual conversations to alleged sodomy, child rape, and even blasphemy. The revelations provide a disturbing insight into the internal workings of the group, which enforces strict religious codes in the territories it controls, particularly in Gaza, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.
The report, originally published by the New York Post, claims that several Hamas members sexually assaulted Israeli male captives following the October 7 attack, in which at least 1,200 people were killed. The crimes were reportedly committed against both those killed during the assault and Israeli men who were taken hostage by Hamas. In response, Hamas is said to have cracked down on its own members, subjecting them to torture and execution for what it deemed "morally deviant" behavior.
Hamas reportedly keeps a strict list of members who fail to comply with its ideological and religious regulations. The documents reveal various accusations against individuals within the group, including engaging in online romantic relationships, cursing God, and violating moral codes. While the specific fates of those accused remain unclear, history suggests that Hamas has a brutal track record when dealing with those it considers "unacceptable" within its ranks. In 2016, a former Hamas commander, Mahmoud Ishtiwi, was executed by the group after being accused of same-sex relations. Before his death, he was reportedly imprisoned, tortured, and hung by his limbs for nearly a year before being shot in the chest by Hamas operatives.
Gaza operates under strict Islamic law, and any form of homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment or death. Hamas has long been known for its harsh enforcement of religious laws, and those found engaging in behavior deemed immoral often face severe consequences. Human rights organizations have consistently raised concerns about the group’s treatment of minorities and individuals accused of violating moral codes, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
These latest revelations add another layer of brutality to Hamas’s already infamous reputation. While the group has been widely condemned for its terrorist activities against Israel, its internal purges show a different side of its operations—one that targets its own fighters for failing to adhere to extreme religious and ideological expectations. The accusations against Hamas members of sexually assaulting Israeli men during the attack also highlight the sheer brutality of the October 7 massacre and the mistreatment of hostages taken by the group.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, this report is likely to spark further international debate about the nature of the group and its governance in Gaza. The revelations could also impact how Hamas is viewed on the global stage, particularly among its supporters and those who advocate for Palestinian rights. While the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a pressing issue, the reported actions of Hamas against its own members raise serious concerns about its governance, justice system, and the future of those living under its rule.