The EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn the execution of three prisoners carried out in Gaza on Tuesday, according to EU Press Office.

In a joint statement published on Wednesday, the EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the
EU's firm opposition under all circumstances to the use of capital punishment. 

The EU considers that abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. It considers capital punishment to be cruel and inhumane, that it fails
to provide deterrence to criminal behavior, and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.

The de facto authorities in Gaza must refrain from carrying out any further executions of prisoners and comply with the moratorium on executions put in place by the Palestinian Authority, pending abolition of the death penalty in line with the global trend.

The three people convicted of murder have been executed in the Gaza Strip, in a move condemned by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

The men were shot or hanged on Tuesday after appeals were exhausted, officials from Gaza's de facto rulers, the Islamist Hamas movement, said.

Hamas did not seek the approval of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as required under Palestinian law.

It underscores the continuing divisions between the main Palestinian factions.

Source : MENA