Bloodlust and Brutality: Landmark Report Exposes Hamas's October 7 Horror

Paul Riverbank, 3/31/2025The newly released 318-page parliamentary report provides a meticulously verified account of Hamas's October 7 attack, documenting unprecedented brutality against Israeli civilians. The investigation reveals systematic violence that claimed over 1,100 lives, while highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and desperate plea for remaining hostages' release.

The Brutal Reality: Inside Hamas's October 7 Attack

The morning sun had barely risen over southern Israel when horror descended. What we now know about October 7th continues to shake even the most seasoned observers of Middle Eastern conflict. As a political analyst who's covered numerous crises, I've rarely encountered documentation as thorough – or as disturbing – as the recent 318-page report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on UK-Israel.

Let me be clear: This isn't just another conflict analysis. The report strips away political pretense to reveal what Lord Andrew Roberts called "premeditated bloodlust." I've spent days poring over the details, and what stands out isn't just the death toll – over 1,100 lives lost – but the calculated nature of the brutality.

The human stories cut deeper than statistics. Take Rotem Matias, just 16, who survived by hiding under his mother's body for 10 hours after a single bullet killed her and wounded him. Or consider Moshe Ridler, 91, a Holocaust survivor who had rebuilt a life that included eighteen grandchildren – until October 7th ended his remarkable journey of resilience.

The violence spared no one. An unborn child, perhaps the most innocent victim imaginable, died when militants shot their mother en route to the hospital. These weren't random acts of war – the report details a methodically planned operation designed to maximize both casualties and terror.

But amid the darkness, there are glimpses of humanity. Keith and Aviva Siegel, grandparents in their 60s, formed profound bonds with fellow captives Agam Berger and Liri Albag during their ordeal. "Being able to look after each other... physically or mentally, emotionally, psychologically, [and] being supportive," Keith later told Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, his voice carrying the weight of shared trauma.

The conflict's toll continues mounting on both sides. Just recently, eight Palestine Red Crescent Society medics lost their lives while performing their duties. The International Committee of the Red Cross's condemnation reminds us that humanitarian workers shouldn't become casualties of conflict.

What makes this report particularly credible is its rigorous methodology. As Lord Roberts explained to Fox News Digital, "We actually made the report much less than it could have been, because we insisted on only putting things in that could be double-checked." In my decades covering political conflicts, such methodological restraint often lends more power to findings than sensational claims.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog wasn't exaggerating when he called this "not only a vital record for history, but a must-read for all." The report's significance lies not just in documenting atrocities, but in understanding how calculated violence against civilians represents a dangerous evolution in modern conflict.

As negotiations for remaining hostages continue, Keith Siegel's words echo with urgency: "Every day that this goes on is just more and more suffering... it needs to be done now." After spending over a year in captivity, his plea carries the weight of personal experience.

Looking ahead, we must grapple with difficult questions about preventing such atrocities while protecting civilians and humanitarian workers caught in the crossfire. The answers won't come easily, but understanding the full scope of October 7th is an essential first step.

The Brutal Reality: Inside Hamas's October 7 AttackThe morning sun had barely risen over southern Israel when horror descended. What we now know about October 7th continues to shake even the most seasoned observers of Middle Eastern conflict. As a political analyst who's covered numerous crises, I've rarely encountered documentation as thorough – or as disturbing – as the recent 318-page report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on UK-Israel.Let me be clear: This isn't just another conflict analysis. The report strips away political pretense to reveal what Lord Andrew Roberts called "premeditated bloodlust." I've spent days poring over the details, and what stands out isn't just the death toll – over 1,100 lives lost – but the calculated nature of the brutality.The human stories cut deeper than statistics. Take Rotem Matias, just 16, who survived by hiding under his mother's body for 10 hours after a single bullet killed her and wounded him. Or consider Moshe Ridler, 91, a Holocaust survivor who had rebuilt a life that included eighteen grandchildren – until October 7th ended his remarkable journey of resilience.The violence spared no one. An unborn child, perhaps the most innocent victim imaginable, died when militants shot their mother en route to the hospital. These weren't random acts of war – the report details a methodically planned operation designed to maximize both casualties and terror.But amid the darkness, there are glimpses of humanity. Keith and Aviva Siegel, grandparents in their 60s, formed profound bonds with fellow captives Agam Berger and Liri Albag during their ordeal. "Being able to look after each other... physically or mentally, emotionally, psychologically, [and] being supportive," Keith later told Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, his voice carrying the weight of shared trauma.The conflict's toll continues mounting on both sides. Just recently, eight Palestine Red Crescent Society medics lost their lives while performing their duties. The International Committee of the Red Cross's condemnation reminds us that humanitarian workers shouldn't become casualties of conflict.What makes this report particularly credible is its rigorous methodology. As Lord Roberts explained to Fox News Digital, "We actually made the report much less than it could have been, because we insisted on only putting things in that could be double-checked." In my decades covering political conflicts, such methodological restraint often lends more power to findings than sensational claims.Israeli President Isaac Herzog wasn't exaggerating when he called this "not only a vital record for history, but a must-read for all." The report's significance lies not just in documenting atrocities, but in understanding how calculated violence against civilians represents a dangerous evolution in modern conflict.As negotiations for remaining hostages continue, Keith Siegel's words echo with urgency: "Every day that this goes on is just more and more suffering... it needs to be done now." After spending over a year in captivity, his plea carries the weight of personal experience.Looking ahead, we must grapple with difficult questions about preventing such atrocities while protecting civilians and humanitarian workers caught in the crossfire. The answers won't come easily, but understanding the full scope of October 7th is an essential first step.