Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, acknowledged their role in the attacks that took place in southern Israel on October 7. The group described these actions as a necessary measure in response to the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Hamas released a 16-page document, available in both English and Arabic, providing justification for the attack. This publication marks the first time the group has issued a public report in these languages detailing the background of such an incident. The report conceded that there were errors during the operation, attributing these to the unexpected collapse of Israel’s security and military system and the ensuing chaos at the Gaza border.
The events of October 7, coinciding with the end of a Jewish holiday, involved hundreds of Hamas fighters entering Israel via land, air, and sea routes. These attacks led to widespread civilian casualties, including at an outdoor rave party. According to an AFP report based on official Israeli data, approximately 1,140 people died, most of whom were civilians. The dead included around 700 Israeli civilians and 76 foreign nationals, with one Israeli citizen still unaccounted for. Israeli social security figures also indicated that about 250 people were taken hostage during the attacks, with around 132 of them still remaining in Gaza.
Hamas stated in their report that any civilian casualties were accidental, occurring amidst clashes with Israeli forces. The group also claimed that many Israelis lost their lives due to confusion within the ranks of the Israeli army and police.
In response to these attacks, Israel declared a war to dismantle Hamas, initiating an extensive bombing campaign in Gaza, described as the most severe the region has ever experienced. This action involved deploying a substantial number of troops along the Gaza and Lebanon borders and implementing a complete siege on Gaza, cutting off essential supplies such as water, electricity, and food. These measures have been criticized by the United Nations. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that the Israeli retaliation resulted in over 25,000 deaths, predominantly women, children, and adolescents.
Israeli authorities have accused Hamas militants of committing severe human rights violations during the attack, including allegations of gang rape, genital mutilation, and other atrocities. Hamas has denied these claims, suggesting they are an attempt to malign the group’s reputation.
Hamas’s report also addresses the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tracing its roots back 105 years, encompassing British colonial rule and decades of Zionist occupation. The group emphasizes its aim to hold Israel legally accountable for the suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people and rejects any external interference in deciding Gaza’s post-war future. Hamas asserts the right of the Palestinian people to determine their destiny and manage their internal affairs without external influence.
