Israeli Report Details Systematic Sexual Violence by Hamas in October 7 Attacks
An Israeli investigation has documented widespread sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks, citing evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
An independent Israeli investigation has documented extensive sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups during the attacks on October 7, 2023, and against hostages. The report, based on 430 filmed interviews with survivors and witnesses, over 10,000 photographs and videos from the attackers, and official records, describes the violence as "systematic" and "widespread."
Hamas has consistently denied allegations of sexual and gender-based violence during the attacks and against captives. However, the UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict found "reasonable grounds to believe" that such violence, including gang rape, occurred.
Witnesses cited in the Civil Commission report recount violent gang rapes at the Nova dance festival, where over 370 people were killed. A male survivor described being used like a "sex doll" by assailants. Many victims of rape or assault were subsequently shot in the head. The report also notes recurring accounts from the festival site, kibbutzim, and military bases of deceased women found without underwear and corpses exhibiting genital mutilation.
The report states that "extreme forms" of sexual and gender-based violence "continued against hostages in captivity for prolonged periods, inflicted on both women and men," characterizing these acts as "the weaponization of sexual violence."
Some former hostages, including Amit Soussana, Arbel Yehud, Romi Gonen, Rom Braslavski, and Guy Gilbol Dalal, have publicly recounted being sexually assaulted. Other victims have shared their experiences confidentially with medical staff, therapists, and investigators.
The report includes new allegations, such as two young relatives being forced by their captors to perform sex acts on each other. This case is part of what the report identifies as "a distinct pattern of violence targeting family members and exploiting familial relationships as instruments of terror."
The Civil Commission concluded that these crimes "constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts under international law." The evidence, secured in a protected archive, may support future prosecutions.
In the immediate aftermath of the assault, some initial accounts of severe violence shared by Israeli officials were later found to be false. Additionally, some forensic evidence was destroyed by first responders rushing to the crime scenes. The report's authors emphasized their careful cross-referencing and fact-checking of evidence. To maintain independence, no evidence was taken from Israeli interrogations of detained suspects.
Given that many victims of sexual assault during the October 7 attacks were killed and others remain deeply traumatized, the report aims "to ensure that the suffering endured by the victims will not be denied, erased or forgotten."