The United States has accused the Hamas terrorist group of committing “hundreds” of war crimes in its October 7 attack on Israel, according to a report published by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
HRW Details Range of War Crimes
The report, one of the most thorough examinations of the attack, details a range of crimes that are imprescriptible under international law. The crimes include deliberate and blind attacks against civilians and civilian objects, intentional killings of detainees, cruel and inhuman treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, mutilation and theft of corpses, the use of human shields, as well as acts of pillage and looting.
HRW Focuses on Violations of International Humanitarian Law
The report focuses on violations of international humanitarian law, the set of rules recognized by states on conduct in times of war, most of which are contained in the Geneva Conventions. HRW also identified “crimes against humanity” such as “the planned killing of civilians and the taking of hostages,” the report said.
A Black Saturday
The war began on October 7, 2023, as armed groups of Palestinian militants, mainly from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The invasion paralyzed the entire world and news broadcasts were devoted to covering the event for hours.
HRW Details Atrocities
At numerous points, fighters fired directly at civilians, often at close range, as they attempted to flee, and at people driving vehicles in the area, according to the report. They threw grenades and fired at safe rooms and other shelters, set fire to houses, burning and suffocating people to death, and forcing others out, then capturing or killing them.
Sexual Violence Alleged
HRW also cites a team from the UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict, saying they interviewed witnesses of rape. However, the true extent of the sexual violence “will probably never be fully known” because of the deaths of victims, the social stigma attached to survivors and the failure of Israeli relief workers to initially collect sufficient evidence.
Civilians Killed
The NGO says in the report that more than 815 civilians were killed in the attack. According to an AFP count based on official Israeli data, the surprise attack that day left 1,195 dead on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, in addition to 251 kidnapped. Of these, the army believes that 116 are still held in Gaza, although 42 have been declared dead.
