Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report accusing Hamas and several other Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the attack on southern Israel on October 7. The report details numerous violations, including deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, the wilful killing of persons in custody, sexual and gender-based violence, hostage-taking, mutilation of bodies, and looting.
Key Findings from HRW’s Report
- Nature of the Attack: HRW’s report asserts that the attack was meticulously planned, with the killing of civilians and hostage-taking being central objectives, rather than incidental. The report describes how armed groups fired on civilians, targeted shelters, and set homes on fire, leading to widespread suffering.
- Participating Groups: The report identifies Hamas’s armed wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, as leading the assault. It also cites involvement from at least four other groups:
- al-Quds Brigades (Palestinian Islamic Jihad)
- Omar al-Qasim Forces (Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine)
- Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine)
- al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades (Fatah movement)
- Evidence and Documentation: HRW’s conclusions are based on interviews with 144 witnesses and analysis of over 280 photographs and videos from social media and other sources. The evidence points to a coordinated and systematic attack on civilian populations.
Responses and Reactions
- Hamas’s Denial: Hamas has vehemently rejected HRW’s findings, calling them “lies” and demanding an apology. The group claims that it was committed to respecting international law and that any harm to civilians was unintended chaos resulting from unaffiliated groups’ actions.
- HRW’s Position: HRW maintains that the evidence clearly shows intentional attacks on civilians and a deliberate strategy of violence. The report indicates that further investigation is needed into other potential crimes, including mass killings and sexual violence.
Context and Background
The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, with 251 taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing the hostages. The conflict has since led to substantial casualties on both sides, with over 38,790 people killed in Gaza according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
International Legal Developments
In April, HRW reported an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza residential building as a war crime. The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has applied for arrest warrants for key figures from both Hamas and the Israeli government, highlighting the international community’s ongoing concern with alleged war crimes committed by all parties involved.
FAQ
1. What does HRW accuse Hamas and other groups of in their report? HRW accuses Hamas and several other Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during their attack on southern Israel on October 7. This includes deliberate attacks on civilians, hostage-taking, and other severe violations.
2. How did HRW gather evidence for their report? HRW based their report on interviews with 144 witnesses and analysis of more than 280 photographs and videos shared on social media or provided to their researchers.
3. How has Hamas responded to the HRW report? Hamas has rejected the HRW report, calling it false and biased. They argue that any civilian harm was due to chaos and mistakes rather than intentional targeting.
4. What was the scale of the October 7 attack? The attack resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. It targeted multiple locations, including Israeli communities, military bases, music festivals, and a beach party.
5. What are the next steps in the international legal process? The ICC prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for leaders of Hamas and Israeli officials, reflecting ongoing international scrutiny and efforts to address war crimes.
