Hamas and other Palestinian groups are accused of “systematic and widespread sexual violence” during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the hostage-taking in the Gaza Strip, according to a report released today by an Israeli investigative committee. The committee, established in November 2023 by an Israeli lawyer specifically to investigate Hamas’s sex crimes, says that after a two-year independent investigation it has concluded that sexual and gender-based violence was “systematic, widespread and an integral part of the October 7 attacks and their aftermath.”
The 300-page report complements other investigations conducted by the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations, documenting the extent of sexual violence committed during Hamas’s attack on Israel, as well as against hostages held in Gaza. “At multiple points and in various phases of the attack, including the kidnapping, transfer and captivity of hostages, Hamas and its allies consistently used tactics of sexual violence and torture against victims,” the report says.
According to the authors, these crimes are characterized by “extreme brutality and profound human suffering,” often carried out in a manner that increased terror and humiliation. The report is based on extensive documentation, including filmed testimonies of survivors and eyewitnesses, photographs, videos, interviews, official files and other materials from the attack sites. The authors say they have analyzed more than 10 photographs and videos, representing over 1,800 hours of visual material, and conducted over 430 interviews with survivors, former hostages, experts and victims’ families.
The committee concludes “unequivocally” that sexual and gender-based violence was a central element of the October 7 attack and hostage-taking. “These crimes constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide under international law,” the report states. The authors add that many victims did not survive to testify, while others continue to face severe psychological trauma. According to the committee, the documentation aims to ensure that the crimes are not forgotten and to establish a factual and legal basis for the prosecution of those responsible by competent courts.
