The investigation, conducted by HRW, found that the Palestinian armed groups involved in the attack on October 7 directed a widespread assault against a civilian population, meeting the definition required for crimes against humanity. The report concluded that numerous civilian sites were targeted, with the attacks on civilians being systematic, based on detailed planning. Despite some reports suggesting the widespread carnage was not part of Hamas' operational planning, the 236-page HRW report highlights a letter from Hamas asserting that its armed wing planned the operation and “was clear in directing its members and fighters not to target civilians,” emphasizing that it has a “military doctrine not to target civilians.” It added that after the initial planned attack, other groups rushed in without coordination with Hamas, which led to mistakes. However, HRW's investigation contradicts these claims, noting that evidence indicates harming Israeli civilians was part of the plan from the outset. The report “found that the criminal acts of the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages were all central aims of the planned attack, and not actions that occurred as an afterthought, or as a plan gone awry, or as isolated acts, for example solely by the actions of unaffiliated Palestinians from Gaza, and as such there is strong evidence of an organizational policy to commit multiple acts of crimes against humanity.” The assessment is based on witness statements, statements by Hamas officials, and verified video and social media content. HRW found evidence of participation of at least five Palestinian armed groups from Gaza in the attacks:Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a comprehensive report detailing crimes against humanity committed by Hamas-led armed groups during the October 7 assault on southern Israel.
“Human Rights Watch research found that the Hamas-led assault on October 7 was designed to kill civilians and take as many people as possible hostage,” said Ida Sawyer, HRW's crisis and conflict director. “The October 7 atrocities should spur a global call to action for an end to all abuses against civilians in Israel and Palestine.” Previous HRW reports have addressed numerous serious violations by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 7.
