A Hamas-controlled court in the Gaza Strip has handed down three death sentences ostensibly for the crime of “collaborating with Israel.” Identified only by their age and city of residence, a court-issued statement said a 59-year old resident of Gaza City and a 49-year old Khan Younis resident will be hanged while another Gaza City man, age 38, will be shot to death. It was not explained why some prisoners are hanged and others put before firing squads. By virtue of “legislation” passed by the Hamas Gaza legislators, once appeals by the defendants have been exhausted, the death sentence becomes “obligatory.” The ruling applies to 17 other defendants being held in Gaza who have already been sentenced to death. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville has said at the time that the UN was “deeply concerned” about the spate of executions and reports that the killings might become public spectacles.