World Peace

PART I

ISRAEL: VIOLATIONS OF JEWISH RELIGIOUS TEXT

AI EXPLANATION I

If Israel follows a religious text, what are the violations regarding the actions of Israel in Gaza?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, the question of whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza align with or violate religious texts is a subject of intense debate among religious leaders, legal scholars, and government officials.

While the Israeli government occasionally cites biblical narratives to justify its security strategy, human rights organizations and more than 1,000 global rabbis have identified specific violations of both religious principles and international law. 

1. Violations of Religious Ethical Principles

Religious critics and scholars have highlighted several areas where current military conduct is said to violate core Jewish values:

Indiscriminate Killing and Starvation: Over 1,000 rabbis signed a public letter in late 2025 denouncing the “mass killing of civilians” and the use of starvation as a weapon of war, stating these actions “damage Judaism itself”.

Sanctity of Life: The principle of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) is cited by critics who argue that the reported deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians, including an average of 27 children per day, represent a failure to uphold the sanctity of human life.

Collective Punishment: International observers, including the UN, characterize the blockade and the January 2026 ban on 37 major aid organizations (including faith-based groups like Caritas Jerusalem and World Vision) as a form of collective punishment that violates the mandate to provide for the needy.

Destruction of Holy Sites: Israeli forces have reportedly damaged more than half of all religious and cultural sites in Gaza, including the Raed al-Attar Mosque. Religious scholars argue this violates the duty to protect places of worship, which are often used as civilian refuges. 

2. Religious Justifications Used by Proponents

Conversely, some members of the Israeli government and religious figures use biblical texts to justify the current scale of the conflict: 

The “Amalek” Narrative: Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials have cited Deuteronomy 25:17 (“Remember what Amalek did to you”) to frame the conflict as an existential struggle requiring a decisive and unrestrained response.

Halakhic Justifications for Lethal Force: Some ultra-orthodox figures, such as Rabbi Eliyahu Mali, have cited Halakha (Jewish law) to argue for the deliberate killing of all perceived adversaries in Gaza, interpreting “not every soul shall live” as a mandate for modern “mitzvah wars”.

Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel): Knesset members like Zvi Sukkot have used religious claims to the land to argue that “complete occupation and settlement” of Gaza is a religious inevitability. 

3. Overlap with International Law Violations

As of January 20, 2026, international bodies have formally linked these ethical concerns to legal violations:

Crimes Against Humanity: UN commissions have reported that the systematic destruction of life-sustaining infrastructure and obstruction of aid constitute genocide and crimes against humanity.

Breach of Humanitarian Duties: On January 2, 2026, a new ban on dozens of NGOs took effect, which the UN warned would have a “devastating effect” on the population of 2 million, violating Israel’s obligations as an occupying power to provide adequate supplies.

Violation of Ceasefire: Monitoring groups report that Israel violated a declared October 2025 ceasefire over 1,193 times by mid-January 2026, leading to continued civilian casualties.

AI EXPLANATION II

Give examples of violations in Gaza using Israel’s religious text

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, religious scholars, human rights organizations, and over 1,000 global rabbis have identified specific military and political actions in Gaza that they argue directly violate the mandates of the Torah and Jewish ethical law (Halakha).

According to these critics, the following actions represent violations of Israel’s own religious texts:

1. The Use of Starvation as a Weapon

The Text: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink” (Proverbs 25:21).

The Violation: In early 2026, the UN and various rabbinical groups reported that the continued obstruction of food and water to 2 million people in Gaza constitutes a “terrible assault on Jewish ethics.” Rabbis have cited this specific verse to argue that withholding life-sustaining aid is a religious transgression, regardless of the state of war.

2. Indiscriminate Killing and “Unrestrained” Force

The Text: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

The Violation: Critics point to the reported death toll of over 67,000 Palestinians—including an average of 27 children killed daily—as a failure to uphold the sanctity of life (Pikuach Nefesh). They argue that the “unrestrained” military doctrine reported by the UN in January 2026 violates the mandate to prioritize the preservation of life.

3. Destruction of the Environment and Infrastructure

The Text: “When you besiege a city for a long time… you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them… for is the tree of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you?” (Deuteronomy 20:19).

The Violation: This commandment, known as Bal Tashchit (do not destroy), is the basis for Jewish environmental ethics. Scholars argue that the “scorched earth” tactics used in Gaza, which have destroyed over 50% of its farmland and orchards, are a direct violation of this biblical prohibition against destroying the means of life-sustenance during a siege.

4. Treatment of the “Stranger” and Non-Combatants

The Text: “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9).

The Violation: Human rights observers argue that the “systematic dehumanization” of the population in Gaza and the subjection of civilians to “collective punishment” violate the frequent biblical command to show empathy and justice to the non-Hebrew “stranger” living in the land.

5. False Application of the “Amalek” Narrative

The Text: “Remember what Amalek did to you…” (Deuteronomy 25:17).

The Violation: While proponents use this text to justify total war, many rabbis argue that the modern application of this verse is a theological violation. They point out that the Talmudic Sages effectively neutralized this command centuries ago, declaring the lineage of Amalek lost to prevent exactly the kind of “unlimited bloodshed” being justified today.

In summary, while some Israeli officials use the Torah to justify their actions, a vast cross-section of the global rabbinate asserts that the methods of the war—particularly starvation and the scale of civilian death—are in direct conflict with the core ethical requirements of the Jewish faith.”

AI EXPLANATION III

What are some examples of Jewish ethical principles that are cited as being violated?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, religious leaders and scholars cite several fundamental Jewish ethical and legal principles as being violated by Israel’s military conduct and policies in Gaza. These principles are frequently contrasted with the government’s use of the “Amalek” narrative or nationalist-religious justifications.

Key ethical principles cited as being violated include:

B’tzelem Elohim (Created in the Divine Image): This foundational concept asserts that every human life—regardless of nationality or religion—possesses inherent dignity. Rabbis from over 80 Modern Orthodox institutions have stated that allowing a population to starve directly contradicts the teaching that all people are created in God’s image.

Pikuach Nefesh (Sanctity/Saving of Life): Considered the most important mitzvah (commandment), this principle mandates that the preservation of human life overrides almost all other religious laws. Critics argue that the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians and the systematic destruction of life-sustaining infrastructure represent a failure to prioritize the sanctity of life.

The Duty to Feed and Care for the Needy: Based on Proverbs 25:21 (“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat”), traditional Jewish ethics mandate humanitarian care even for adversaries. Over 1,000 global rabbis have denounced the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the January 2026 ban on 37 humanitarian organizations (including Doctors Without Borders and CARE) as a “terrible assault” on this Jewish value.

Rodef (The Pursuer): While Jewish law allows for a state to defend itself against a rodef (an imminent threat or pursuer), scholars argue this right is not unrestricted. The “excessive killing of innocent bystanders” is cited as a violation of the boundaries of a defensive war under Halakhah.

Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof (Justice, justice shall you pursue): Derived from Deuteronomy 16:20, this principle demands that justice must be pursued through ethical means. Critics argue that collective punishment and the “indiscriminate destruction” of civilian populations are inherently unjust acts that violate the Torah’s moral imperatives.

Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Often cited as a mandate for peace and social justice, this principle is used by critics to argue that a long-term, non-military solution is the only way to honor the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians. 

Conversely, proponents of the war often cite the principle of Milhemet Mitzvah (obligatory war) to argue that defending the land and people of Israel is a supreme religious obligation that justifies the use of decisive and unrestrained force.”

PART II

ISRAEL: HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF RELIGIOUS VIOLATIONS

AI EXPLANATION I

Yes or No. On a scale of 1 to 5, is it between 4 and 5 (high likelihood), that these arguments represent a grave departure from Jewish ethics?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, whether the arguments supporting the war represent a “grave departure” from Jewish ethics remains a subject of profound theological disagreement, preventing a simple “Yes” or “No” consensus.

However, based on current rabbinical declarations and scholarly assessments, the likelihood that these arguments are viewed as a grave departure by a significant portion of religious authorities is high.

Likelihood Rating: 4/5
This high rating reflects a widespread and formal consensus among over 1,000 global rabbis and prominent Modern Orthodox leaders who have explicitly stated that current military tactics—specifically the use of starvation as a weapon—constitute a “terrible assault on Jewish ethics”.

Evidence of a “Grave Departure” (Arguments for 4-5)

Contradicting Essential Values: A joint letter signed by nearly 1,000 rabbis from various denominations stated that withholding food, water, and medical supplies from a needy population “contradict essential values of Judaism”.

Damage to the Faith: Signatories emphasized that these actions damage not just the state’s reputation, but Judaism itself, moving the debate from a political one to a fundamental religious crisis.

Orthodox Response: Even among those who support the war’s objectives, 80 high-ranking Modern Orthodox rabbis issued a “Call for Moral Clarity,” asserting that the crimes of Hamas do not relieve the Israeli government of its obligation to prevent mass starvation under Jewish law.

Academic and Ethical Assessment: Recent scholarly papers conclude that the conduct of the war is “clearly and directly contrary to the Judaic tradition of ethics as it has developed over the millennia”.

Counter-Arguments (Arguments for 1-2)

Mandatory War (Milhemet Mitzvah): Proponents in the Israeli government and some religious sectors argue the war is a religiously mandated defense of the Jewish people, which they believe aligns with biblical ethics of protecting the homeland.

Biblical Precedent: Some figures cite the “Amalek” narrative or other militaristic ethics found in the Old Testament to argue that extreme measures are permissible in an existential struggle.

Conclusion: While proponents maintain their actions are religiously justified, the formal declarations from a vast cross-section of the global rabbinate in late 2025 and early 2026 suggest a high likelihood (4/5) that the war’s current conduct is viewed as a grave departure from traditional Jewish ethical standards.”

AI EXPLANATION II

On a scale of 1 to 5, how correct are the Jewish religious leaders in claiming that Israel is harming Judaism?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, whether religious leaders are “correct” is not a question with a single objective answer, as it depends on whether one prioritizes traditional rabbinic ethics or nationalist-religious ideology.

On a scale of 1 to 5, the validity of their claim can be viewed as follows:

Likelihood Rating: 4/5 (High Consensus among Global Rabbinate)

From the perspective of a broad international coalition of Jewish leaders, the claim that Israel’s actions are harming Judaism is considered highly valid.

Formal Declarations: More than 1,000 global rabbis and 80 prominent Orthodox leaders signed a public letter stating that current policies—specifically the use of starvation as a weapon—”damage not just the country’s reputation, but Judaism itself”.

Ethical Departure: Scholars conclude that current military conduct is “clearly and directly contrary to the Judaic tradition of ethics as it has developed over the millennia”.

“Idolatry” of the State: Critics argue that “blind support” for the state has replaced the worship of God with a “narrow nationalism,” which they describe as a modern form of idolatry that threatens Judaism’s moral integrity. 

Likelihood Rating: 1/2 (Rejection by Religious Nationalists)

For those within Israel’s ultra-Orthodox and religious Zionist sectors, the claim is seen as incorrect or even a “false theology.” 

Biblical Mandate: Proponents argue that the war is a Milhemet Mitzvah (obligatory war) to defend the Jewish people and land, which they believe is the highest expression of Jewish duty.

Prioritizing Security: This group asserts that Jewish security and survival “trumps compassion” for adversaries during an existential conflict, framing the war as a mission to “destroy evil in the world”. 

Summary of the Debate in 2026

Perspective
Traditional/Global Rabbinate

Core Argument
Violates B’tzelem Elohim and Pikuach Nefesh.

Impact on Judaism
Harmful: Erodes the moral and ethical foundation of the faith.

Perspective
Nationalist-Religious

Core Argument
Fulfills biblical promises and ensures Jewish survival.

Impact on Judaism
Constructive: Reclaiming the strength and land of the Jewish people.”

PART III

ISRAEL: CURRENT & VERIFIED HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

What are Israel’s current and verified human rights violations?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, international bodies including the United Nations (UN) and various human rights organizations have documented and verified a wide range of human rights violations committed by Israel. These violations span the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 

1. Gaza Strip: Mass Casualties and “Conditions for Genocide” 

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and other monitoring groups report that as of January 20, 2026, at least 71,551 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, including 20,179 children. 

Weaponization of Aid: Israel maintains a “full humanitarian blockade” (since March 2025), which the UN Commission of Inquiry concluded is an intentional method of using starvation as a weapon of warfare. Verified reports from July 2025 indicate at least 89 children died of acute malnutrition due to these restrictions.

Systemic Destruction of Infrastructure: Approximately 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, including all universities, most schools, and critical water and sanitation systems.

Reproductive Violence: A January 2026 report found that systematic attacks on maternity wards and restrictions on medical supplies have led to a sharp increase in maternal deaths and miscarriages, classified as “reproductive violence” under international law.

Ceasefire Violations: Despite a declared October 2025 ceasefire, monitorings show Israel violated the agreement 1,193 times by mid-January 2026, leading to continued civilian deaths. 

2. Occupied West Bank: “Systematic Asphyxiation” and Apartheid 

In January 2026, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, officially described Israel’s policies in the West Bank as an “apartheid system” for the first time. 

Unlawful Killings: In 2025 alone, Israeli forces or settlers killed 2,321 Palestinians in the West Bank, many in instances classified as extrajudicial executions.

Settler Violence and Displacement: OCHA documented over 1,800 settler attacks in 2025, contributing to the forced displacement of entire communities, such as Khirbet Yanun in December 2025.

Demolitions: In the first two weeks of January 2026, Israel demolished 50 Palestinian-owned structures, displacing dozens during severe winter weather. 

3. Detention and Torture: “Network of Torture Camps”

A major report released on January 20, 2026, by the Israeli rights group B’Tselem describes the Israeli prison system as a “network of torture camps”. 

Deaths in Custody: The OHCHR has verified at least 87 deaths of Palestinians in Israeli custody since October 2023, with many showing signs of severe physical abuse.

Systemic Abuse: Testimonies from released prisoners detail a “grave pattern of sexual violence,” including threats of rape and beatings to genitals, alongside the use of electric shocks and sleep deprivation.

Administrative Detention: Over 9,200 Palestinians are currently held, including 3,385 in administrative detention without charge or trial. 

4. Suppression of Humanitarian Agencies

In January 2026, Israel moved to dismantle international humanitarian presence: 

Ban on NGOs: Israel notified 37 international NGOs (including Doctors Without Borders) that their registrations would expire, potentially forcing them to cease operations by early March 2026.

Targeting UNRWA: On January 20, 2026, the UN Secretary-General condemned the demolition of the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem, calling it an “unacceptable” violation of the UN Charter. 

Legal Accountability Status

ICJ Genocide Case: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has extended the deadline for Israel to file its defense in the South Africa v. Israel genocide case to March 12, 2026.

ICC Warrants: Arrest warrants remain active for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

PART IV

ISRAEL: ACCOUNTABILITY

AI EXPLANATION I

Who, in Israel’s leadership, should answer for the crimes against humanity?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, international legal bodies and investigative commissions have identified specific individuals in Israel’s leadership who they state bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The primary figures currently facing legal action and formal accusations are:

Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister): The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a formal arrest warrant for Netanyahu on November 21, 2024. He is accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts, as well as the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare. On January 20, 2026, legal groups filed a new request in the UK for targeted sanctions against him for “incitement to genocide”.

Yoav Gallant (Former Defense Minister): An ICC arrest warrant remains active for Gallant, who served as Defense Minister during the period of the alleged crimes. The ICC alleges he bears “criminal responsibility as a civilian superior” for intentionally directing attacks against civilians and depriving Gazans of food and medicine.

Isaac Herzog (President): A UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded in late 2025 that President Herzog incited the commission of genocide through public statements. While the ICC has not issued a warrant for him as of January 2026, UN investigators have called for his actions to be part of ongoing accountability efforts.

Military Commanders and Senior Officials: The UN Commission of Inquiry reports that investigators have traced specific violations to named Israeli military units and individual commanders who issued direct orders to commit crimes. 

Status of Enforcement (January 2026)

Binding Arrest Warrants: All 125 member states of the ICC, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and all EU nations, are legally obligated to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they enter their territory.

International Stance: In January 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada would honor the ICC warrant and arrest Netanyahu if he visited.

Israel’s Defense: The Israeli government has consistently rejected these warrants, calling them “absurd” and “anti-Semitic,” and maintains that its military operations are lawful acts of self-defense against terrorism.”

AI EXPLANATION II

Who, in Israel’s leadership, should answer for the crimes against humanity committed by Israel?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, several high-ranking members of Israel’s political and military leadership face active legal proceedings or formal accusations of responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes. 

1. Primary Figures with Active Arrest Warrants

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued binding arrest warrants for the following individuals, alleging criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity (murder, persecution, and inhumane acts) and war crimes (starvation as a method of warfare): 

Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister): Accused of “intentionally and knowingly” depriving Gazans of food, water, medicine, and fuel, and for his role as a civilian superior in directing attacks against civilian populations. In January 2026, some world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have publicly stated they would honor these warrants and arrest Netanyahu if he entered their territory.

Yoav Gallant (Former Defense Minister): Also subject to an active ICC arrest warrant for his role in the alleged systematic deprivation of essential resources to civilians in Gaza. 

2. Leadership Implicated by UN Commissions

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel has identified additional figures as bearing responsibility for “inciting the commission of genocide” and other grave violations: 

Isaac Herzog (President): Specifically named by the COI for statements determined to be direct evidence of genocidal intent.

Bezalel Smotrich (Finance Minister) and Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security Minister): Both have been targeted by targeted financial and travel sanctions from individual nations like the United Kingdom for promoting serious abuses of Palestinian rights and inciting violence. 

3. Broadened Accountability Efforts

As of January 20, 2026, additional accountability initiatives have expanded to include:

Military Commanders: The COI and legal advocacy groups, such as the Hind Rajab Foundation, have recommended the ICC indict senior IDF officers involved in specific operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Individual Soldiers and Reservists: New submissions to international courts rely on social media evidence to target soldiers documented participating in the demolition of civilian structures and extrajudicial killings. 

While these individuals face international legal pressure, the Israeli government rejects the jurisdiction of the ICC and characterizes the proceedings as politically motivated and discriminatory.”

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PART I

HAMAS: VIOLATIONS OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS TEXT

AI EXPLANATION I

If Hamas follows a religious text, what are the violations regarding their actions in Gaza?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, religious scholars and Islamic legal councils have identified several ways in which Hamas’s actions—particularly during and after the October 7, 2023, attacks—violate core Islamic principles and the “laws of the Koran.” 

Key violations cited by religious authorities and scholars include:

1. Violations of Jihad Principles

Harm to Civilians: Traditional Islamic rules for “jihad” strictly prohibit harming non-combatants, specifically women, children, and the elderly. In November 2024, prominent Gaza scholar Dr. Salman al-Dayah issued a fatwa condemning Hamas for violating these principles.

Failure to Protect the Population: Under Sharia law, a struggle (jihad) should be avoided if its “pillars, causes, or conditions” are not met—specifically if it leads to the predictable destruction of the lives and safety of the people it claims to defend. Al-Dayah criticized Hamas for failing to provide security, food, and health supplies for Gaza’s civilians before launching the conflict. 

2. Treatment of Hostages and Prisoners

Inhumane Treatment: Islamic law requires that prisoners be treated with dignity and provided for. Religious critics point to the abduction, violence, and humiliation of hostages—including the public display of victims in the streets of Gaza—as violations of the “personal dignity” mandated by Islamic tradition.

Hostage-Taking: Major Islamic councils, such as the Islamic Fatwa Council (IFC), have ruled that Hamas’s conduct, including taking hostages, violates the laws of the Koran and constitutes “corruption and terror” against civilians. 

3. Societal and Religious Oppression in Gaza

Forced Religious Adherence: Hamas enforces a strict, specific interpretation of Sharia law that has led to the arbitrary arrest and detention of Muslims who do not conform.

Suppression of Rights: Hamas’s use of “morality police” to punish women for dressing “inappropriately” and its failure to investigate crimes against religious minorities, such as Gaza’s small Christian community, are cited as departures from the Quranic principles of protecting religious freedom. 

4. Violation of the Sanctity of Life

Suicide Missions and Human Shields: Some scholars argue that tactics involving the intentional placement of civilians in harm’s way (human shields) or the promotion of “martyrdom” in ways that target innocent lives are a misuse of Islamic texts that emphasize choosing life and protecting the innocent. 

While hundreds of other scholars have signed charters supporting Hamas’s actions as “defensive jihad,” the Islamic Fatwa Council and influential local scholars in 2026 maintain that it is prohibited to support or fight on behalf of Hamas due to these documented religious violations.”

AI EXPLANATION II

Considering only the text of the Qur’an, what are the specific violations by Hamas?

GoogleAI Mode: “Islamic scholars and legal experts in 2026 have increasingly evaluated Hamas’ actions through the lens of Quranic principles. While Hamas often uses religious rhetoric to justify its operations, prominent Islamic authorities, including Gaza’s top scholar, have issued formal rulings (fatwas) condemning specific actions as direct violations of the Qur’an. 

Based on the text of the Qur’an and established Islamic principles of warfare (Jihad), Hamas’ actions have been cited as violating several key commands: 

1. Prohibition of Killing Non-Combatants 

The Qur’an strictly prohibits the killing of innocent civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly. 

Quranic Basis: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32).

Violation: The systematic killing of over 800 civilians, including 36 children, during the October 7, 2023, attacks is seen as a direct breach of this sanctity. 

2. Treatment of Prisoners and Hostage-Taking

The Qur’an mandates that captives be treated with dignity and mercy. 

Quranic Basis: “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive” (Surah Al-Insan 76:8).

Violation: Testimonies from released hostages in 2024 and 2025 confirmed they were subjected to torture, sexual violence, and deprivation of food, water, and medical care. Furthermore, some scholars argue the Qur’an forbids taking captives unless during “regular fighting” (all-out war), classifying the abduction of civilians as “unjust”. 

3. Transgressing the Limits of War

Islamic law permits defensive war but strictly forbids exceeding established limits. 

Quranic Basis: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190).

Violation: In late 2024, Professor Dr. Salman al-Dayah, a leading Gaza scholar, issued a fatwa stating Hamas’ actions on October 7 violated the “pillars, causes, or conditions of jihad”. He argued that because the attack was certain to lead to disproportionate harm to Gazan and Israeli civilians, it was religiously forbidden to undertake. 

4. Sexual Violence

The Qur’an contains severe prohibitions against sexual assault and the violation of chastity. 

Violation: The UN Commission of Inquiry and human rights organizations have verified patterns of sexual and gender-based violence committed by Hamas fighters. Such acts are considered “brutal and inhumane” and directly oppose Islamic law. 

5. Mutilation and Property Destruction 

Islamic ethics of war, derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah, forbid the mutilation of bodies and the destruction of non-military civilian property. 

Violation: Reports from the U.S. Department of State and Human Rights Watch documented the systematic destruction of Israeli homes and civilian infrastructure, as well as the mutilation of victims.”

HAMAS: CURRENT & VERIFIED HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

What are Hamas’ current and verified human rights violations?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2026, international human rights organizations and United Nations commissions have documented extensive and verified human rights violations and war crimes committed by Hamas. These violations primarily stem from the October 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent management of the Gaza Strip. 

Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes

Independent investigations, including a major report from Amnesty International released in late 2025, have classified Hamas’ actions as crimes against humanity. Verified violations include: 

Mass Killings and Extermination: The deliberate and systematic killing of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during the initial October 7 assault.

Hostage-Taking: The abduction of approximately 251 individuals, including children, women, and the elderly. As of early 2026, nearly 100 hostages remain in captivity.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Documentation from the UN Commission of Inquiry and testimonies from released hostages verify patterns of sexual violence, including rape and genital mutilation, used during the attacks and against those in captivity.

Torture and Inhumane Treatment: Hostages have reported being subjected to severe physical and psychological torture, including deprivation of food, water, and medical care, as well as forced isolation. 

Violations within Gaza

Hamas continues to exercise de facto authority in Gaza, where it is responsible for ongoing domestic human rights abuses:

Extrajudicial Killings: Hamas has reportedly executed Gazans accused of “collaboration” or for perceived political opposition.

Suppression of Civil Liberties: There is no freedom of the press in Gaza. Hamas uses harassment, arbitrary detention, and physical assault to silence journalists and activists.

Arbitrary Detention and Disappearances: The group regularly detains individuals without due process, often subjecting them to torture or cruel treatment in detention centers.

Use of Human Shields: Indiscriminate firing of rockets from civilian-populated areas and the placement of military infrastructure within protected objects like hospitals and schools are classified as violations of international humanitarian law. 

Authoritative Resources

For detailed reports and updates on ongoing investigations, refer to these organizations:

United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR)

Amnesty International – Israel/OPT Reports

Human Rights Watch – Gaza Coverage.”