Amnesty International Accuses Hamas of War Crimes in 2023 Attack on Israel

Documented Atrocities Include Murder, Imprisonment, Torture and Sexual Violence

The global human‑rights organization has released a detailed report alleging that Hamas and affiliated Palestinian armed groups committed a series of war crimes during their large‑scale assault on Israel in 2023. According to Amnesty International, the investigation uncovered a pattern of deliberate killings, unlawful detention, systematic torture, and instances of sexual violence perpetrated against civilians.

Key findings of the report reveal that:

• Hundreds of civilians were intentionally targeted and killed, violating international humanitarian law.
• Numerous individuals were taken hostage and held in inhumane conditions without due process.
• Victims were subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and the use of electric shocks, to extract information or intimidate communities.
• There were documented cases of sexual assault and rape, often aimed at terrorising women and girls.

Amnesty International calls for urgent accountability, urging the International Criminal Court and relevant national jurisdictions to investigate these alleged crimes and prosecute those responsible. The organization also stresses the need for immediate protection of civilians and the provision of support services for survivors of torture and sexual violence.

In a statement, Amnesty’s spokesperson said, “The evidence we have gathered paints a grim picture of systematic violations that cannot be ignored. All parties to the conflict must uphold the laws of war and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The report arrives amid ongoing tensions in the region, highlighting the crucial role of independent monitoring bodies in documenting and responding to alleged human‑rights abuses.