According to recently discovered documents, Hamas tortured and executed users of its own ranks for reportedly engaging in same-sex relationships, according to the New York Post.
The Israeli defense forces ( IDF) recovered files that show a “morality check” method used by the Iran-back militant group to find recruits who lacked adherent to its strict ideological standards, according to the New York Post.
The records list 94 Hamas people accused of different offenses, including “homosexual meetings”, “flirting with women without a legal relationship”, and” sodomy”, grouping these with serious allegations of child rape and torture.
The volunteers flagged as “unacceptable” were barred from continuing their roles in Hamas ‘ intelligence, military, or internal government.
Although many of the people’s fates are unknown, sexuality is prohibited in Gaza and can lead to death or even prison.
A well-known event cited in the papers details the murder of Hamas leader Mahmoud Ishtiwi, who was accused of having gay sex, in 2016. Ishtiwi was put to death with three shots to the stomach after being tortured in a prison for almost a month.
Additionally, the documents describe harsh treatment, including being permanently suspended from his legs.
The discoveries come as Israeli officials and individuals provide more details about crimes committed during Hamas ‘ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Jewish men were raped both during the attack and while they were in captivity, according to sources close to the Jewish Knesset.
” 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.
