Newly uncovered documents show that Hamas tortured and executed members within its own ranks for allegedly engaging in same-sex relationships, the New York Post reported.
According to the New York Post, the files recovered by the Israeli defence forces (IDF), outline a “morality check” system used by the Iran-back militant group to identify recruits who failed to meet its strict ideological standards.
The documents list 94 Hamas members accused of various offenses, including “homosexual conversations,” “flirting with girls without a legal relationship,” and “sodomy,” grouping these with severe allegations of child rape and torture.
The recruits flagged as “unacceptable” were barred from continuing their roles in Hamas’ intelligence, military, or interior ministry.
While the fate of many identified individuals remains unknown, homosexuality is illegal in Gaza and can lead to imprisonment or even execution.
A high-profile case cited in the documents details the 2016 execution of Hamas commander Mahmoud Ishtiwi, who was accused of having gay sex. After being tortured in prison for nearly a year, Ishtiwi was executed with three gunshots to the chest.
The documents also describes brutal treatment, including being suspended by his limbs for extended periods.
The revelations come as Israeli officials and survivors detailed on further accounts of atrocities committed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. Sources close to the Israeli Knesset told The New York Post that Hamas militants raped Israeli men both during the attack and in captivity.
“This would bring (Hamas) much shame,” the Israeli source mentioned, explaining why such acts have not been publicised in the group’s propaganda efforts surrounding October 7.