By John Q. Hosedrinker Hamas committed war crimes in the October 7 assault on Israel according to a report by Human Rights Watch. This revelation may come as no surprise to many, as the terrorist organization literally filmed themselves committing these atrocities and even livestreamed it for the world to see. The fact that it took Human Rights Watch nine months to come to this conclusion seems almost comical, considering the blatant evidence that was readily available.
The report details numerous serious violations of international humanitarian law by Palestinian armed groups, including the targeting of civilian sites and the taking of hostages. Over 800 civilians were killed in the assault, and many were used as human shields or taken as hostages. Despite Hamas’ claims that they did not target civilians and abided by international laws, the evidence clearly shows otherwise.
It is both infuriating and perplexing that it took so long for an organization like Human Rights Watch to confirm what was glaringly obvious from the start. The absurdity of it all is highlighted by the fact that Hamas authorities had the audacity to respond to questions from HRW, stating their forces were instructed not to target civilians. The irony here is almost too much to bear.
The collective smartassery on platforms like Reddit questioning the necessity of this report misses the point entirely. While the conclusion may have been evident from the beginning, the meticulous documentation of the crimes is crucial. Witness interviews, footage, and injury reports compiled in the 236-page report serve as a crucial record of these heinous acts.
The gravity of the situation cannot be understated. The senseless loss of life, the brutality, and the inhumanity of these crimes demand justice. It is not enough to simply acknowledge that war crimes were committed; those responsible must be held accountable. The victims, their families, and the world at large deserve nothing less.
In a world where such atrocities continue to occur, where terrorism and violence persist, it is imperative that organizations like Human Rights Watch continue their work. The truth must be documented and brought to light, no matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient it may be. The fight for justice, accountability, and human rights must never waver, even in the face of such abhorrent acts. Let us not forget, let us not become complacent, and let us continue to demand justice for all. The recent report by Human Rights Watch confirming that Hamas committed war crimes in the October 7 assault on Israel may have come as a surprise to some, but to many, it was merely a confirmation of what was already glaringly evident. The fact that it took nine months for HRW to reach this conclusion, despite Hamas broadcasting their atrocities for the world to see, is both frustrating and baffling.
The details of the report outline the grave violations of international humanitarian law carried out by Palestinian armed groups during the assault. The deliberate targeting of civilian sites, the taking of hostages, and the loss of over 800 innocent lives underscore the brutality and inhumanity of these crimes. Despite Hamas claiming they abided by international laws, the evidence speaks volumes to the contrary.
The delay in acknowledging these war crimes is underscored by the absurdity of Hamas authorities responding to HRW’s inquiries with claims of not targeting civilians. The sheer irony of this response in the face of overwhelming evidence is a testament to the audacity of those responsible for these heinous acts.
While some may question the necessity of such a report, the meticulous documentation provided by HRW, including witness interviews and footage, plays a vital role in recording these atrocities for posterity. These crimes must not be swept under the rug or forgotten; they demand justice and accountability.
In a world plagued by terrorism and violence, it is crucial that organizations like Human Rights Watch continue their vital work. The fight for justice, the quest for accountability, and the unwavering defense of human rights must remain steadfast in the face of such abhorrent acts. The victims, their families, and humanity as a whole deserve nothing less.
As we confront the harsh realities of war crimes and atrocities, we must not lose sight of the importance of documenting the truth and demanding justice. We cannot become complacent or indifferent in the face of such horrors. The pursuit of justice for all is an ongoing struggle that requires vigilance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of humanity and accountability.