Palestinian man tortured to his death by Hamas militants after he publicly criticised them

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - A 22-year-old Palestinian man, Uday Rabie, was tortured and killed by Hamas militants after publicly criticizing the group and participating in rare anti-Hamas protests in Gaza, his family claims.

Rabie was taken last week by dozens of armed members of Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza City, his brother, Hassan Rabie, told CNN on Tuesday, April 1

According to Hassan, his brother had clashed with Hamas members about a month earlier and feared that militants would target him.

Despite these fears, Uday led thousands of others in anti-Hamas and anti-war protests last week in Gaza City’s al-Rimal neighbourhood, where he was seen chanting, “No to Hamas.”

These protests erupted in northern Gaza following renewed Israeli attacks and a prolonged blockade on humanitarian aid. Protesters told CNN they blamed both Israel and Hamas for the suffering in the region.

Hassan recounted that on Friday, armed men affiliated with the Al-Qassam Brigades kidnapped his brother off the street, days after the protest.

“They took him, they kept torturing him,” Hassan said. “Then they called me and said: come get your brother.”

When Hassan arrived, he found Uday barely alive.

“He was still alive,” Hassan recalled. “He was only wearing underwear, tied by the neck with a rope. They were dragging him and beating him.”

Hassan claimed the militants then warned him:
“This is the fate of anyone who disrespects the Al-Qassam Brigades and speaks ill of them.”

He rushed his injured brother to a nearby hospital, where he later d!ed from severe internal bleeding and multiple injuries. A video circulated on social media showed Uday covered in deep cuts and bruises. The family confirmed its authenticity

A statement posted by Uday’s family on Facebook accused Hamas of brutally torturing him with “sharp and hard objects” before his death. They demanded justice and accountability for those responsible.

The Independent Commission for Human Rights, a Palestinian rights group, condemned Rabie’s killing, calling it part of “the deteriorating security chaos, the proliferation of weapons, and the absence of the rule of law in Gaza.”

Hamas’ Government Media Office has previously stated that Palestinians have the right to express their opinions and participate in peaceful protests, but the Al-Qassam Brigades has yet to publicly comment on the accusations.

Meanwhile, large-scale protests against Hamas continue to spread in northern Gaza, as frustration grows over the war and worsening humanitarian crisis.