Chaos cannot be met with chaos: calls for investigation into extrajudicial killings in Gaza

Members of the armed wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, stand guard during the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross as part of the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, 13 October 2025

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor writes on 14 October 2025:

Euro-Med Monitor expresses deep condemnation over the execution of several Palestinians by masked gunmen in Gaza City on Monday evening in front of crowds of civilians, calling for an urgent investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Euro-Med Monitor verified footage widely circulated on social media showing armed men in masks shooting eight individuals at close range — a shocking scene that constitutes a grave violation of Palestinian law and international human rights standards. Such acts amount to extrajudicial killings that require an immediate, transparent investigation and the prosecution of everyone involved, whether through direct participation, command, or complicity.

The recent systematic targeting of civilian police and security forces, which has led to the dismantling of their structures and the erosion of their ability to perform their duties, has created a security vacuum that allowed armed groups to emerge and incidents of vigilante justice to increase. However, this reality in no way justifies taking the law into one’s own hands or imposing field punishments outside the framework of the judiciary.

Extrajudicial executions are among the gravest violations of the right to life, enshrined in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Palestine acceded in 2014. Such acts also contravene the Palestinian Basic Law, which stipulates that “penalties are personal and shall not be enforced except pursuant to a judicial decision issued by a competent court.”

These practices represent a direct breach of the obligations of the authorities exercising control over the territory to respect, protect, and fulfil the right to life, even in exceptional circumstances such as war or states of emergency. Under no circumstances may executions without trial or retaliatory or field measures against individuals be justified.

Authorities have a duty not only to refrain from committing violations but also to take all necessary measures to prevent them, investigate them, and hold perpetrators accountable, in line with the UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions (1989). These principles require that any investigation be independent, impartial, and public, covering those responsible for execution, planning, and complicity.

The rule of law remains the sole guarantee for protecting society and preserving its cohesion. Any deviation from it will only lead to greater chaos, tension, and social violence.

Euro-Med Monitor urges authorities in Gaza to open an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, make its findings public, bring all those involved to justice without exception, and take urgent measures to prevent similar crimes. This is especially vital amid reports of ongoing operations against armed groups acting outside the law, underscoring the importance of strengthening law enforcement agencies to ensure respect for human rights and the protection of civilians’ lives.

Chaos cannot be met with chaos; respect for the law and human dignity is the only path to safeguarding society and restoring confidence in justice and institutions.

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