Family of Slain Gaza Protester Releases Video Accusing Hamas of Torture and Execution
The family of Oday Nasser Al Rabay, the 22-year-old Gazan protester killed after participating in anti-Hamas demonstrations, released a video statement on Sunday accusing Hamas’ military wing of torturing and murdering him. The statement marks an escalation in public outrage over Al Rabay’s death and provides new details of what his relatives say was a brutal, extrajudicial execution.
“They dragged him and tortured him to death with all kinds of hard tools,” a relative says in the video, accusing “a sinful, rogue group affiliated with the Qassam Brigades” of carrying out the killing. “They killed him treacherously.”
The family demanded that those responsible face justice, calling for them to be dealt with “an iron fist” and vowing not to accept condolences until revenge is taken. “These unjust criminals who unjustly killed this Muslim must be held accountable,” the statement says. “O Allah, take revenge.”
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In previously unreleased funeral footage circulating online, thousands of mourners chanted slogans both in praise of Al Rabay and in protest of Hamas’ rule, including “In spirit and blood we’ll redeem you, Oday!” and “Hamas out!”
The family’s statement directly contradicts Hamas loyalists online, who have attempted to frame Al Rabay as a traitor or an informant. One social media post defending Hamas’ actions claimed, “The resistance kills only Zionists and traitors.”
Meanwhile, exiled Palestinian activists say Hamas has continued efforts to silence dissent through threats and targeted violence. Hussam al-Majdalawi, another Gazan who criticized Hamas during the protests, was reportedly kidnapped, shot in the legs, and left wounded in a public square.
Although the wave of anti-Hamas protests has subsided since March 27, the family’s message suggests the anger behind them has not. The protests marked the most public challenge to Hamas’ authority in Gaza since the war began on October 7.
Israeli strikes have reportedly made it harder for Hamas to suppress protests in the open, with at least 14 senior members of the group killed in targeted attacks since March 18. Despite these challenges, the group continues to maintain strict control over public expression in the enclave.
