Raid on October 7th
Report on systematic sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas
Survivors and relatives remember the victims at the site of the Supernova music festival. photo
© Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
A new report into violent sexual crimes committed by Hamas in its attack on Israel contains disturbing details. The authors have specific expectations of international organizations.
During the Hamas terrorist attack Serious and systematic sexual violence crimes occurred in Israel on October 7, according to a new report.
“The sexual assaults and rapes were committed by multiple participants and included sadistic acts of a brutal and demonstrative nature,” said the report by the Israel Association of Crisis Centers for Rape Victims (ARCCI). Most of the victims were murdered during or after the rape. Women in particular, but also children and men, were victims of sexual violence.
ARCCI chairwoman Orit Sulitzeanu said in a statement: “The report, which has been handed over to UN decision-makers, leaves no room for denial or disregard.” The Islamist Hamas has chosen to harm Israel strategically, through the kidnapping of its citizens and through sadistic sexual crimes. “Silence is no longer an option,” said Sulitzeanu. “We expect international organizations to take a clear position.”
The sexual assaults occurred primarily at the Nova music festival in Reim, in the towns that were attacked as well as in military bases on the edge of the Gaza Strip and when the hostages were held captive.
Raped at gunpoint
In many cases, injured women were raped using armed force. In some cases, victims were “raped in front of partners, family or friends to increase the pain and humiliation for all in attendance,” the report said.
“Many of the victims’ bodies were found mutilated and bound, with their sexual organs brutally attacked and, in some cases, weapons inserted into them,” the report said. Booby traps were hidden in some bodies.
The report is based on both confidential and public information, including witness statements, interviews with first responders and direct information received from ARCCI. The report only mentions information from identified sources that have been approved for publication. However, the analysis is based on further confidential information that should not be published. Hamas had denied reports of the use of systematic sexual violence.
On October 7, terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups attacked southern Israel. They killed 1,200 people and kidnapped another 250 to the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel’s military has launched massive air strikes and a ground offensive against Hamas and its allies in the coastal area. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 29,000 Palestinians were killed.