GAZA, April 15 (UPI) -- Two Palestinians were executed by Hamas Thursday in Gaza after being convicted of cooperating with Israel during Operation Cast Lead, officials said.
The executions by firing squad were carried out without authorization of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as required by Palestinian law, Ynetnews reported. Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, and tensions between Hamas and Abbas's Fatah faction have been high since Hamas created a parallel government in Gaza.
Eight additional Gaza residents also were sentenced to face a firing squad on the same charges, human rights activists said.
During the past few weeks, human rights groups have urged Hamas to rescind its decision to execute the convicted collaborators. However, the terrorist group published polls that indicated a majority of Palestinians support the executions, Ynetnews said.
In January 2009, while the Israeli military operation was under way, Hamas executed six Palestinians on suspicion of collaboration with Israel, the Israeli news Web site said.
Gaza Attorney General Mohammed Abed said the death penalty also would be used against convicted drug dealers, Ma'an News Agency reported.
"We have the right to hasten the execution of those who are willing to kill their own people," Abed said.
