Hamas accused of torturing, executing fighters over same-sex relations
What's the story
Secret documents reportedly recovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made shocking allegations against Hamas.
According to the New York Post, the documents show 94 Hamas recruits were charged with "homosexual conversations, flirting with girls without a legal relationship and sodomy."
Some of the charges even included child rape and torture.
These fighters were allegedly tortured and executed by their own organization for these accusations.
Dismissed recruits
Accused fighters part of Hamas's key departments
The accused recruits were members of important departments in Hamas, such as intelligence, the army, and the interior ministry. They were fired as "unacceptable" for their alleged actions.
One accusation said, "He constantly curses God. Information was received that he sexually harassed a young child."
Another allegation said, "He has romantic relationships on Facebook. He never prays. He is behaviourally and morally deviant."
Severe punishment
Homosexuality punishable by death in Gaza
In Gaza, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.
A former Hamas commander, Mahmoud Ishtiwi, was executed in 2016 for alleged homosexuality. He was shot three times in the chest after spending a year in prison and torture.
Homosexuality is "deeply against" Hamas's religion and brings "much shame," an unnamed source told The Daily Beast.
Hostage abuse
Reports of sexual assault during October 7 attacks
The secret documents also detailed cases of rape and sexual assault of Israeli men by male Hamas fighters during the October 7 attacks.
Hostages taken from Israel were allegedly sexually abused.
Eve Harow, Director of Education at One Israel Fund, said that those not adhering to Hamas's ideology face "persecution, imprisonment or even execution."