The Palestinian Resistance called the report biased and damaging to its credibility, urging HRW to retract it and issue an apology.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hamas condemned HRW for beginning the report with an "injured" Israeli settler while allegedly downplaying the over 120,000 Palestinian deaths caused by Israeli actions to date. The organization also accused HRW of ignoring the widespread destruction of Palestinian infrastructure.

Hamas emphasized the Palestinians' right to resist occupation and defend themselves against what they describe as decades of war, murder, and torture perpetuated by the Israeli Occupation. They argued against the notion of the occupation's right to self-defense, citing violations of international law.

Regarding Palestinian detainees held by the Resistance, Hamas criticized the report for calling on international pressure for their release while neglecting hundreds of Palestinians subjected to mistreatment and imprisonment by Israel. Hamas rejected HRW's claims of ill-treatment by the Resistance and disputed allegations of rape and sexual violence against Israeli women, which HRW itself admitted lacking evidence for.

Hamas concluded by reaffirming its commitment to Islamic values and international humanitarian law, pledging to review any wrongdoing after the conflict ends. They stressed accountability for violations while acknowledging fallibility within Palestinian factions. (ILKHA)