Israeli Report Details Systematic Sexual Violence by Hamas During October 7, 2023 Attacks
An Israeli non-profit's report alleges that Hamas employed sexual violence as a deliberate tactic during the October 7, 2023, attacks, based on extensive testimonies and evidence.
An Israeli non-profit organization, The Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children, has released a comprehensive report alleging that Hamas systematically employed sexual violence during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The 280-page document, titled "Silenced No More," is the culmination of a two-year investigation involving over 400 testimonies and the analysis of thousands of images and videos.
The report details various forms of sexual violence, including gang rape, torture, forced nudity, and abuse of hostages, affecting both women and men. It highlights that these acts were not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy by Hamas to inflict psychological devastation.
One of the most harrowing accounts involves two minors from the same family who were allegedly forced to perform sexual acts on each other while in captivity.
The commission's chair, Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, emphasized the importance of recognizing these crimes for the healing process of survivors. She stated, "For victims of sexual crimes, recognition is inseparable from the possibility of justice. It is never merely symbolic: it forms a necessary step in the process of healing and the restoration of dignity."
The report also notes that Hamas militants often filmed the assaults and disseminated the footage on social media platforms.
The findings have been endorsed by public figures such as Hillary Clinton and Sheryl Sandberg. However, some critics have questioned the author's past research, and the Associated Press has not independently verified the findings.
The United Nations and the International Criminal Court have also reported suspicions of sexual crimes committed by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
The Civil Commission is urging the International Criminal Court to initiate investigations and prosecute both the perpetrators and those who planned the attacks.
The Israeli parliament has recently passed a law to establish a military tribunal to try the alleged perpetrators of the October 7 attack, who have been held without charge since their capture.
The report underscores the trauma endured by survivors and criticizes both Israeli and international responses to the allegations.