A Hamas-ruled military court in Gaza sentenced to death four Palestinians after they were convicted for committing homicide in December 2007, while three others received a life sentence with penal servitude.

The court session was held in Gaza City, where the judge uttered the sentences, saying four are sentenced to death and three others are sent to a life sentence with penal servitude.

The seven convicted young men, who are all from Gaza City, we rearrested by Hamas security forces in December 2007.

"The convicted had committed their crime with premeditation and in cooperation," said the judge, adding the convicted persons have the right to appeal.

It is the second time that Hamas court holds such sessions in Gaza after the movement took control of the enclave and routed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' security forces in June 2007.

According to the Palestinian law, the president is the one authorized to sign on the death penalty sentences.