A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed shocking details of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Hamas-led armed groups during the October 7 attack in southern Israel. The 236-page report titled ‘I Can’t Erase All the Blood from My Mind’: Palestinian Armed Groups’ October 7 Assault on Israel’ highlights the deliberate targeting of civilians and the heinous acts carried out by the militants.
The report states that the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and the hostage-taking of over 250 individuals, was meticulously planned to kill civilians and take hostages. The assault was orchestrated by Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, in collaboration with four other Palestinian armed groups.
HRW conducted interviews with 144 witnesses, including Israeli and other nationals, who were present during the assault on 19 kibbutzim, five moshavim, Sderot, Ofakim, music festivals, and a beach party. The report documents numerous violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians and civilian objects, willful killings, inhumane treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, hostage-taking, mutilation of bodies, and pillage.
The report also mentions allegations of sexual violence committed by Hamas-led militants on October 7, with the UN special envoy confirming instances of rape and gang rape. Despite Hamas’ denial of targeting civilians, HRW’s investigations found evidence to the contrary.
In response to the attack, Israel launched a massive offensive on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 38,000 people and displacing nearly the entire population of 2 million. HRW called on all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law, urging the immediate release of hostages and prosecution of individuals facing ICC warrants.
HRW emphasized that atrocities committed by one party do not justify retaliatory atrocities, stressing the importance of addressing root causes and holding perpetrators of grave crimes accountable for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis.
