London / Gaza / Jerusalem, : In a landmark shift that could reshape international debate over the Gaza conflict, Amnesty International has formally accused Hamas of committing crimes against humanity during the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and subsequent military actions throughout the war. The findings were released today in a 296-page investigative report, marking the first time Amnesty has issued such sweeping allegations against the group.
The report documents systematic war crimes, including the intentional killing of civilians, sexual violence, abductions, and the use of human shields in densely populated areas of Gaza. Amnesty researchers cited evidence from eyewitness accounts, satellite imagery, and digital forensics.
According to the organization, the October 7 attacks left over 1,200 Israelis dead, with 250 hostages taken, many of whom remain missing. Amnesty highlighted specific atrocities, including the Nova music festival massacre, where 364 people were killed, as well as rocket launches from schools, hospitals, and residential zones—actions described as deliberate endangerment of civilians.
The report attributes operational responsibility to Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar (killed in 2024) and Ismail Haniyeh (assassinated in 2024), whose directives allegedly coordinated the attacks and hostage operations.
Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard called for International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into both Hamas and Israeli forces, stating:
“Accountability must apply to all parties, without exception.”
The report also references the staggering humanitarian toll in Gaza, where more than 43,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated, according to UN estimates.
Reactions were immediate and polarizing.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, welcomed the findings, claiming they validated Israel’s security measures.
Pro-Palestinian groups criticized the timing, arguing the report could undermine fragile ceasefire negotiations in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
Amnesty urged governments to sanction Hamas-affiliated networks, halt funding streams, and support international accountability mechanisms.
The investigation marks a significant departure from Amnesty’s previous focus on Israeli military conduct and is likely to influence diplomatic discussions as ceasefire talks continue to stall. With geopolitical tensions rising, the report adds new pressure on all parties to address alleged human rights violations.
