Hamas militants tortured and killed a 22-year-old Palestinian man after he publicly denounced the organization and took part in uncommon anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza, his family said.
Last week, dozens of armed fighters from Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, kidnapped Uday Rabie in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City, his brother Hassan Rabie told CNN on Wednesday.
Hassan claimed his brother had run-ins with group members about a month before his death and had voiced concerns that fighters would come for him.
His brother stated Uday Rabie had also taken part with thousands of others in anti-Hamas and anti-war demonstrations held in the enclave earlier last week. Hassan said Rabie protested in the al-Rimal area of Gaza City, shouting “No to Hamas” during the event.
Days after he protested last Friday, a group of armed men linked to the Al-Qassam Brigades removed the Palestinian man from the street, Hassan claimed.
Hassan said the militants returned him “still alive.” Rabie was only wearing his underwear when the fighters tied his neck with a rope, dragged him, and struck him, according to Hassan.
Hassan stated that he picked up his injured brother and drove him to a nearby hospital, where Rabie quickly passed away.
