The report documents Amnesty International’s investigation into the actions of Palestinian armed groups—primarily Hamas and other factions—during and after the 7 October 2023 attacks in southern Israel. Drawing on video evidence, survivor testimony, and corroborated material, Amnesty concludes that these groups committed serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The report finds that Palestinian fighters deliberately killed civilians, carried out widespread attacks on civilian communities, launched indiscriminate rocket fire, abducted civilians and soldiers, and unlawfully held them as hostages in Gaza. Hostages were subjected to psychological abuse and, in some cases, physical and sexual violence. Amnesty determines that the vast majority of civilian deaths on 7 October were caused by Palestinian armed groups, though some civilians were killed by Israeli fire.
While situating the attacks within the broader context of Israel’s prolonged occupation, blockade of Gaza, and ongoing violations—including what Amnesty has elsewhere determined to be genocide in Gaza—the report emphasises that violations by one party do not justify violations by another. The organisation concludes that Hamas and affiliated groups bear primary responsibility for the crimes committed on 7 October and during captivity, and it issues recommendations aimed at securing truth, justice, and reparations for victims and survivors.