7 October 2024
Claim 1: Hamas Beheaded Children on October 7
As investigations started, Israeli officials retracted these claims. Investigations concluded that the allegations lacked credible proof.
Claim 2: Hamas Uses Civilians as Human Shields and Hospitals as Military Bases
Civilians as Human Shields:
No concrete evidence supports the claim of use of human shields by Hamas, including by Human Rights organizations like Amnesty. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, which naturally complicates the distinction between civilian and military areas. Israel’s successive aggressions on Gaza, including the ongoing genocide have been documented with widespread, systemic and indiscriminate bombings and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
On the other hand, investigations revealed that Israeli forces have used Palestinians as human shields, turning the myth on its head.
Hospitals as Military Bases:
Independent investigations found no concrete evidence supporting the claim. A Washington Post analysis of open-source visuals, satellite imagery and all of the publicly released Israeli military materials debunked the claim that Hamas had been using the Al-Shifa hospital as a command centre.
Another Israeli claim that a calendar on the walls of a hospital is a “Hamas guard list” was easily debunked by Arabic speaking social media users.
Another AlJazeera investigation debunked an Israeli claim that there was a Hamas tunnel under the Qatari Hospital, showing that ‘the hatch Israel claimed was a Hamas tunnel is only a water reservoir for the hospital.’
Claim 3: Hamas Committed Mass Rape on October 7
No credible evidence emerged to substantiate the claims of mass rape. Multiple investigations by diverse media outlets debunked the accusations. Many of the reports that accuse Palestinians of committing systematic sexual violence against Israeli women rely on testimonies by ZAKA volunteers, an Israeli rescue organization which does not do forensic work. An Associated Press article notably debunked two accusations of rape and sexual violence by volunteers with ZAKA.
The Israeli prosecutor heading the task team in charge of investigations admitted herself there were no plaintiffs and no evidence gathered.
Claim 4: Hamas is Stealing the Humanitarian Aid
Israel has been imposing a full blockade on Gaza for the past 17 years, which has only been tightened since October 2023. Israel controls every single entry of goods. Since October it has deliberately blocked humanitarian aid. Once aid is inside Gaza, it is the responsibility of the U.N. and humanitarian agencies. Statements have denied any hijacking of humanitarian aid by Hamas, including by US officials, and UN agencies.
Israel is responsible for the famine and horrific health situation.
Israel lies to conduct the worst crimes against humanity and the world still buys it.
Stop dehumanizing Palestinians.