Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said concerning the saying of Allah Almighty: "Indeed, the recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land" [Surah al-Ma'idah: 33]: "These were a people from the People of the Book between whom and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) there was a covenant and pledge. Then they broke the covenant and spread corruption in the land, so Allah gave His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the choice: if he wished, he could kill them; if he wished, he could crucify them; and if he wished, he could cut off their hands and feet from opposite sides. As for exile, it is fleeing about in the land. And if he comes repentant and enters Islam, it will be accepted from him and he will not be held to account for what he did before."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب العين / 12976