Armed Palestinian groups in Gaza accused of war crimes.

The Palestinian armed groups in Gaza are in the eye of the storm after being accused by the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) of committing "hundreds" of war crimes in their unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7. In a report recently published, HRW details a series of crimes that go against international law and have triggered deep concern in the international community. HRW's associate director, Belkis Wille, stated at a press conference that it is impossible to accurately quantify the number of crimes committed, but highlighted that there were "clearly hundreds" on that fateful day. Among the violations of international law listed in the report are deliberate attacks against civilians, intentional killings of detained individuals, cruel treatment, sexual violence, use of human shields, among other atrocious acts. The HRW report focuses on violations of international humanitarian law, which are outlined in the Geneva Conventions and aim to protect civilians and limit suffering in times of armed conflict. Additionally, "crimes against humanity" are identified, such as the planned murder of civilians and hostage-taking, further aggravating the gravity of the situation. Although Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, the report indicates that other Palestinian armed factions, including Islamic Jihad, also committed war crimes that day. It is important to note that HRW refutes the version that the most serious violent acts were committed by civilians in Gaza, thus contradicting the statements made by both Hamas and Israel on the matter. The NGO describes the attack as "incredibly planned and coordinated," noting that over 815 civilians lost their lives amid the unleashed violence. On the other hand, Israel reported 1,195 deaths on its territory, mostly civilians, as well as 251 kidnapped individuals, of which 42 have been declared dead. In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a military campaign against Gaza with the aim of neutralizing Hamas, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. According to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 38,700 deaths, mostly civilians, have been recorded so far in the midst of this seemingly endless conflict. The situation in the region is becoming increasingly critical, with a rising toll of civilian casualties and a scenario of violence that shows no signs of diminishing. The international community has strongly condemned the war crimes committed by the Palestinian armed groups, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities and the pursuit of a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East. It is essential that these events be thoroughly investigated and that justice be served for the innocent victims caught in the midst of a conflict that robs them of life and hope.