Hamas has formally called for an impartial international investigation into the events of October 7, 2023, while categorically denying allegations of civilian killings and atrocities. The Palestinian group issued a comprehensive 42-page document on Friday presenting its detailed account of the attack and subsequent developments in Gaza.
The document asserts that Western media and Zionist lobby groups orchestrated a disinformation campaign regarding the attack’s events. Hamas claims Israeli authorities propagated false narratives about child killings and sexual violence to justify what it describes as a premeditated genocide campaign aimed at eliminating Gaza.
Regarding captives taken during the incident, Hamas stated it had initially offered to release non-military prisoners, an offer it says Israel rejected. During the November 2023 truce, approximately 100 hostages were eventually exchanged for Palestinian detainees.
The organization maintains that targeting civilians contradicts its religious and moral principles, challenging Israel to provide evidence supporting allegations of attacks on hospitals, schools, worship sites, journalists, or medical personnel. Hamas further references Israeli media reports suggesting the military’s application of the Hannibal Directive resulted in Israeli civilian casualties during crossfire situations.
In May 2024, the International Criminal Court sought arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders (all subsequently killed by Israel) and Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC prosecutor cited alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity from both sides.
Hamas justified its October 7th operation—codenamed Al-Aqsa Flood—as a response to 77 years of occupation, the 17-year Gaza blockade, repeated violations of the Oslo Accords, rising right-wing extremism, and international community inaction. The group claims the operation successfully globalized the Palestinian cause, isolated Israel internationally, and exposed societal divisions within the country.
The document concludes by rejecting external governance proposals, including the recent UN Security Council-approved plan backed by former President Donald Trump that envisions Hamas-free governance in Gaza. Hamas asserts Palestinian competence for self-governance and considers any imposed trusteeship equivalent to occupation.