Officials said the resumption of executions was expected after the
expiration of a deadline for suspected collaborators to surrender to Hamas.
The deadline has been set for July 10, after which Hamas Interior Minister
Fathi Hamad pledged to launch a "fierce war" against those working for
Israel.
The Interior Ministry has plastered the streets of the Gaza Strip with
posters that called on collaborators to surrender, Middle East Newsline reported. The ministry has
also broadcast daily warnings on Hamas media.
For his part, Al Jarrah did not say when Hamas would carry out the next
round of executions. Hamas has executed five convicted criminals and spies
since its campaign in April 2010.
One of those on death row has been a senior Fatah operative in the Gaza
Strip. The Fatah movement, which rules the West Bank, has warned Hamas
against executing the militia operative.
Al Jarrah acknowledged that crime and unrest were rising in the Gaza
Strip. They said the execution was part of a law enforcement crackdown that
would ensure swift and harsh punishment for anything from traffic violations
to violent crime.
"Our forces have been successful in maintaining security amid the siege
by the occupation [Israel]," Al Jarrah said.
Al Jarrah said police have also been subjected to strict discipline. He
said the 20,000-member force was warned that officers must treat Gaza
residents with respect and observe the law.