Hamas Criticizes Human Rights Watch Report for Bias in October 7 Narrative

Israeli forces are engaged in a fierce battle with Hamas militants near a hospital in northern Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that a shell struck the second floor of the Indonesia Hospital, resulting in the death of at least 12 people. The Israeli military has released videos showing weapons allegedly seized inside the hospital and a tunnel running through the complex. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns about the governance of Gaza after the military offensive. The post-war administration of Gaza remains uncertain, and there is no consensus on what should replace Hamas. The credibility of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been undermined, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the PA in its current form should not take charge of Gaza. The U.S. and its allies are pressing Israel for a clear roadmap and exit strategy from Gaza. The return of the PA to Gaza is being discussed, but some Palestinian officials have expressed reluctance to accept Israeli tanks as the means for the PA's return to power. A proposal for a two-year transitional administration of technocrats in Gaza has faced resistance from key Arab governments. The selection of a leader for a post-war government in Gaza would be complex, as regional players have their own favorites and interests. The U.S. has expressed support for any leader who gains the backing of the Palestinian people and its regional allies, as well as Israel. The war in Gaza has also raised concerns about shipping disruptions in the region.

Human Rights Watch conducted an investigation into the explosion at al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17, 2023. The explosion occurred in the hospital compound and resulted in numerous casualties. The Ministry of Health in Gaza blamed Israel for the explosion, while the Israeli military claimed it was caused by a misfired rocket from Islamic Jihad. Human Rights Watch analyzed photos, videos, satellite imagery, and witness testimonies to assess the incident. They found that the explosion was consistent with the impact of a rocket and that the extensive fire damage in the hospital parking lot was caused by burning rocket propellant. The fragmentation pattern around the crater indicated natural fragmentation from the munition's body. While videos showed Israeli aircraft and interceptor missiles in the vicinity, there was no evidence linking them to the explosion. The investigation highlighted the need for an independent inquiry and called for both Gaza authorities and Israel to release all information and evidence related to the incident. The World Health Organization documented 187 attacks on healthcare in Gaza since October 7. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel has the mandate to investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The article emphasized the need to protect hospitals and medical facilities during conflicts and called for an end to attacks on civilians by both sides. The investigation also noted the difficulty in documenting damage caused by misfired rockets due to restrictions imposed by authorities in Gaza. [7078db1b]

An explosion near Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital on October 17, during the Israel-Hamas war, was likely caused by a misfired rocket, according to Human Rights Watch. The rights group released an investigative report stating that a munition hit a paved area inside the hospital compound where civilians sought shelter. The group was not able to visit the site and there are no known images of the munition remnants. However, the sound, fireball, crater size, splatter type, and fragmentation pattern are consistent with the impact of a rocket. The possibility of a large air-dropped bomb, such as those used by Israel, is highly unlikely. Gaza authorities may have remnants that could help determine the munition. Witnesses reported that employees of the interior ministry took the shrapnel from the site. [6b338a83]

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that the explosion outside the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17, which caused a high number of casualties during the Israel-Hamas war, was caused by an apparent rocket-propelled munition commonly used by Palestinian armed groups. HRW called for further investigation to determine who launched the rocket and whether the laws of war were violated. The incident generated controversy and accusations about who was responsible for the deadly impact. The Palestinian Ministry of Health claimed that 471 people died and accused Israel of attacking the medical facility, while the Israeli military stated that it was a failed projectile launched by Palestinian militants from the Islamic Jihad group. HRW was unable to conclusively identify the type of munition that hit the area near the Al Ahli Hospital, but the evidence suggests that it was consistent with the impact of a rocket. HRW called for a full investigation to determine what happened and who was responsible. The organization also urged the Gaza authorities and Israel to provide all the information they have about the incident. The incident raises concerns about the protection of hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as the injured and medical personnel, under international humanitarian law.

A Human Rights Watch (HRW) report details numerous war crimes committed by Hamas-led Palestinian terror groups on October 7. The 236-page report, titled “‘I Can’t Erase All the Blood from My Mind’: Palestinian Armed Groups’ October 7 Assault on Israel,” includes testimonies from 144 survivors, victims’ family members, and medical professionals. The violations of international humanitarian law documented in the report include deliberate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians, willful killing of persons in custody, sexual and gender-based violence, hostage taking, mutilation and despoiling of bodies, use of human shields, and pillage and looting. The report concludes that killing civilians and taking hostages were central aims of the planned attack, not isolated acts. The coordinated attack involved at least five armed wings of terrorist groups, led by Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The report also found evidence of sexual and gender-based violence, including forced nudity and posting of sexualized images on social media. HRW’s report contradicts Hamas authorities' claims that their forces were instructed not to target civilians and to abide by international human rights and humanitarian law. [44da7feb]

Hamas has criticized a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) for aligning with the Israeli Occupation's narrative regarding events on October 7. The Palestinian Resistance called the report biased and damaging to its credibility, urging HRW to retract it and issue an apology. Hamas condemned HRW for allegedly downplaying the over 120,000 Palestinian deaths caused by Israeli actions and ignoring the widespread destruction of Palestinian infrastructure. They emphasized the Palestinians' right to resist occupation and defend themselves against the Israeli Occupation's actions. Hamas criticized the report for neglecting hundreds of Palestinians subjected to mistreatment and imprisonment by Israel and disputed allegations of rape and sexual violence against Israeli women. They reaffirmed their commitment to Islamic values and international humanitarian law and pledged to review any wrongdoing after the conflict ends.