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

Documented atrocities include murder, unlawful detention, torture and sexual violence

The human‑rights organization announced that its investigators have gathered extensive evidence of serious violations committed by Palestinian armed groups during the large‑scale assault on Israel in October 2023. According to the report, the attacks were marked by deliberate killings of civilians, the arbitrary imprisonment of non‑combatants, and the use of torture methods that contravene international law.

Amnesty International also highlighted instances of sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls, describing them as “systematic and intended to terrorise” the affected communities. The organization called for immediate accountability, urging both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to investigate the alleged crimes and ensure that those responsible are brought before a competent judicial body.

Calls for International Action

The report stresses that the documented violations constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and demand a robust response from the global community. Amnesty International appealed to the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and individual governments to:

• Launch impartial investigations into the alleged abuses.
• Provide protection and support for victims, especially survivors of sexual violence.
• Implement measures to prevent future violations by all parties to the conflict.

“The evidence we have gathered leaves no doubt that grave breaches of international humanitarian law occurred,” the organization’s spokesperson said. “All perpetrators must be held accountable, and the rights of victims must be restored.”