Hamas executes Gazans accused of spying for Israel
Hamas policemen march along a street in Gaza City on July 26, 2011. On the same day, Hamas rulers hanged two Palestinians accused of spying for Israel.
Hamas reportedly executed two Gazans Tuesday accused of spying for Israel.
The two men, a father and son, confessed to Hamas to collaborating with Israel and providing intelligence that enabled Israeli forces to locate wanted Palestinians, Reuters reports.
Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, carried out the executions without the approval of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestinian law permits executions but requires Abbas's approval.
(More from GlobalPost: Analysis: US unhappy over proposed Hamas-Fatah deal)
Abbas has not given his approval for executions in the West Bank, which his Fatah group controls.
Tuesday's executions were the second time in 2011 Hamas has executed someone accused of collaborating with Israel, AFP reports.
Hamas and Fatah, two rival Palestinian factions, signed a reconciliation accord last May intended to end their civil war, but disputes between the groups have prevented it from being implemented.
As GlobalPost reported in May, the agreement could be a setback to the Obama administration's efforts to persuade the Israelis and Palestinians to return to peace talks.
"Israel is not likely to strike a deal with Fatah if it believes its 'partners' in the 'peace process' are making nice to Hamas."
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