Hamas challenges ‘Israel’ to open “impartial investigation” into Oct. 7

• Hamas marked the second anniversary of October 7 by challenging ‘Israel’ to allow an "impartial international investigation" into the events of that day, while simultaneously refuting claims that its fighters systematically targeted civilians.
• The 35-page document frames the "Aqsa Typhoon" operation as a natural response to 77 years of occupation, proposing a future Palestinian-led "technocratic government" for Gaza that rejects any form of foreign guardianship.

In a newly released document marking two years since the events of October 7, 2023, Hamas has issued a direct challenge to ‘Israel’ to permit an "impartial international investigation" into the events of October 7, 2023.

The document, titled "Our Narrative... Operation Aqsa Typhoon: Two Years of Steadfastness and the Will for Liberation," outlines the movement's official account of the October 7 operation origins, the events of that day, and the subsequent two years of assault.

Call for Independent Inquiry

At the heart of the report is a rejection of ‘Israeli’ narratives regarding the initial attack. In a section dedicated to the investigation of that day, Hamas explicitly states: "We challenge the Israelis to make way for an impartial international investigation into the allegations of Israeli civilian deaths on the seventh of October".

The movement further extends this challenge, calling on ‘Israel’ to agree to a "neutral international investigation into the crimes they committed against the Palestinian people," particularly during the subsequent military assault on Gaza.

Countering the Narrative

Hamas uses the document to refute accusations that its forces systematically targeted civilians.

The group asserts that avoiding civilian casualties is a religious and moral imperative for them.

The report says that the October 7 operation targeted the ‘Israeli’ military's Gaza Division and that Hamas fighters did not target hospitals, schools, or places of worship.

Instead, the document says that many ‘Israeli’ civilian casualties were the result of the ‘Israeli’ military's own actions, citing the "Hannibal Directive" and the bombing of areas where captives and fighters were mixed.

Hamas claims that investigations have shown many purported civilians were actually reserve soldiers or security personnel.

“Context of October 7”

The 35-page report frames the attack not as an isolated incident but as a "natural result" of 77 years of occupation and the failure of international institutions to address Palestinian grievances.

It cites the expansion of settlements, the blockade on Gaza, and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners as key drivers for the operation.

Humanitarian Toll and Future Outlook

The document provides grim statistics regarding the war's toll on Gaza, stating that over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, with nearly 20,000 of them being children.

It also notes that 95% of Gaza's schools have been damaged.

Looking forward, Hamas reiterates its refusal to be removed from the Palestinian political landscape.

The report dismisses attempts to "isolate" the movement as delusional, citing continued poll support.

It proposes a future governance model for Gaza led by a Palestinian "technocratic government" agreed upon by national consensus, rejecting any foreign guardianship.

The report concludes by framing the last two years as a "glorious birth" of renewed resistance rather than a defeat, asserting that the Palestinian cause has returned to the forefront of global consciousness.