Gaza City - Gaza’s Islamic militant Hamas rulers said Wednesday they intend to execute residents convicted of murder even without the needed approval of the Palestinian president.

Hamas lawmakers “endorsed” 13 death sentences after mounting pressure from victims’ families. West Bank-based President Mahmoud Abbas has refused to approve the Hamas verdicts and the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights says he is deeply concerned over the imminent executions.

“The Gaza authorities’ statements follow the demands of several families for the death penalty to be carried out against individuals accused of killing their relatives,” a spokesman for the commissioner, Rupert Colville, said. “Death sentences may only be carried out in extremely limited circumstances, and pursuant to a trial and appeals that scrupulously follow fair trial standards. We have serious doubts as to whether capital trials in Gaza meet these standards.”

Human Right Watch also condemned the announcement.... Read More: VIN