The Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip have confirmed that two Palestinians have been executed for collaborating with Israel. The Islamist movement did not say how the executions were carried out, but one Palestinian rights group said they had been killed by firing squad. This is the first time Hamas has implemented the death penalty since it took power in Gaza in June 2007. Hamas Interior Minister Fathi Hammad said last month that the authorities intended to implement the death penalty for people found guilty of working with Israel. The two executed men were convicted of treason and spying for Israel in February last year.