Human Rights Watch Accuses Hamas of Committing War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in October 7 Attack

A recent Human Rights Watch report accuses Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing hundreds of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7th attack on Israel, which ignited the Gaza War. This comprehensive international study has sparked outrage from Hamas, demanding an apology and retraction of the report. The document details a premeditated, large-scale assault on civilian targets involving killings, kidnappings, torture, use of human shields, and sexual violence. These findings are backed by eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, and align with a UN report on sexual and gender-based violence. The report’s reception in Israel has been notably positive, contrasting with the typical criticism Human Rights Watch faces from the Israeli government and some civil society groups for its reports on Israel.

• Human Rights Watch report accuses Hamas of leading hundreds of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 attack on Israel.
• The report documents killings, kidnappings, torture, sexual violence, and the use of humans as shields.
• Most participants in the attack were members of militant groups, contradicting Hamas’s claims of spontaneous civilian involvement.
• Human Rights Watch’s findings coincide with a UN report indicating sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and mutilation, by Hamas.
• The Israeli government, which often criticizes Human Rights Watch, has welcomed the report as it documents Hamas’s crimes.
• Internal and public divisions exist within the Israeli government regarding negotiations for an exchange of hostages for prisoners, with some advocating for continued fighting and others for making concessions.
• Israeli negotiators have reportedly landed in Cairo for talks, amidst criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu for prioritizing a trip to the US over the hostage negotiation process.

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