Israel has released a graphic video compilation aimed at rebutting Hamas’ recent claims that its fighters did not intentionally target civilians during the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack that triggered the Gaza war.

In a post on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said Hamas had published a 42-page document denying the murder of civilians, the killing of children and allegations of sexual violence during the attack. “This footage shows a fraction of Hamas’ brutal actions during the massacre and was released for publication over two years ago. It shows what Hamas now denies,” the IDF said. “These are not allegations. These are documented events.”

Hamas Rejects Allegations

The Israeli response followed the release of the Hamas document on December 24, which rejects accusations that its fighters deliberately targeted civilians, hospitals or schools. The report, shared by Ramy Abdu, head of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, claims militants were instructed to avoid civilian targets.

Hamas accused Israel of spreading disinformation about the October 7 attack and renewed calls for an International Criminal Court (ICC) or independent international investigation into civilian deaths and casualty claims.

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Competing Narratives Over Civilian Deaths

Hamas said killing civilians was against its “religion, morality and education” and alleged that Israeli military actions, including strikes in southern Israel during the assault, contributed to civilian casualties.

Israel has strongly denied those claims. The IDF said the footage documents killings, abductions and violence carried out by Hamas fighters, arguing it directly contradicts the group’s assertions. 

According to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people were killed when Hamas and other armed groups launched the surprise attack on southern Israel, and 251 people were taken captive to Gaza. Victims and hostages included citizens from at least 40 countries, including the United States, Thailand, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, Argentina and Canada, as well as nationals from several Asian, African and European nations.

Captives, Ceasefire And ICC action

During a brief truce in November 2023, around 100 captives were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while dozens remain unaccounted for.

In 2024, the ICC said it had sought arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the October 7 attack. The prosecutor also sought warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

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