Report: Hamas-Led Militants Committed War Crimes on Oct. 7

A Human Rights Watch report has found that the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups was a planned, systematic assault against civilians, involving war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, based on extensive interviews, condemned deliberate attacks on civilians, use of human shields, and inhumane treatment. Israel's government reported about 1,200 Israeli deaths, while the Gaza Health Ministry reported over 38,700 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began. The report also highlighted instances of sexual and gender-based violence, though it could not verify allegations of rape.