New Report Details Atrocities Committed by Hamas
A newly released report stemming from an extensive two-year investigation into the horrific events of October 7 by Hamas indicates that the violence, including sexual abuse during hostage situations, was not only intentional but part of a systematic approach to the attack. Researchers have described a troubling pattern involving rape, sexual torture, and other forms of abuse at various massacre and abduction sites in Gaza.
This comprehensive 300-page document, titled Silenced No More: Sexual horror exposed, sheds light on the tragic massacre that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. This incident is considered the most devastating massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
The investigation was led by Dr. Kochaf Elkayyam Levy, known for her work in international law and recognized with the Israel Prize. She concluded that the sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by Hamas and other Palestinian attackers was extensive and systematic rather than isolated acts happening in the midst of chaos.
The documentation argues that the intent behind such violence was not solely to inflict suffering on the victims, but also to instill fear into Israeli society at large, portraying this brutality as part of a calculated method of oppression.
Utilizing over 10,000 visual materials, comprising more than 1,800 hours of analytical review, and over 430 testimonies from various sources—including survivors and medical personnel—the commission claims to have created the most thorough archive on the atrocities of October 7 and the subsequent hostage crises.
The report identifies 13 specific acts of sexual and gender-based violence allegedly perpetrated during the attacks and within Gaza prisons. These include, among others, rape, gang rape, and forced nudity, alongside severe acts of brutality such as genital mutilation and post-mortem abuse.
Investigators highlighted a consistent pattern of these crimes across various locations like the Nowa music festival, military bases, and abduction routes. This suggests that the violence formed a part of a broader tactical framework employed during and after the attack.
Introducing a new term, “homicidal sexual violence,” the report defines this concept as acts of sexual violence aimed at not just harming the victims but also destructively affecting the psychological bonds within families and communities.
The report includes allegations that in certain instances, hostages and their family members were coerced into committing acts of sexual abuse against one another to psychologically dismantle their familial ties.
Moreover, the investigators noted that Hamas actively utilized digital platforms to disseminate recordings of these atrocities, effectively amplifying the psychological terror experienced by the victims and their families far beyond the immediate scene of violence.
Survivorship testimonies from the Nova Music Festival highlight the traumatic experiences, with one victim recalling the unsettling sounds of violence during the ordeal.
Another survivor recounted witnessing a woman being brutally assaulted not far from where he was; he described how the attackers dragged her from a car and continued the violence even after her death.
Further allegations involve ongoing sexual abuse during hostage situations in Gaza, reportedly inflicting lasting trauma on both female and male captives.
Among those who provided testimonies are individuals like Romi Gonen and Albel Yehud, with some details remaining confidential for safety reasons.
The report emphasized that many victims were unable to share their stories due to fatal outcomes during the attacks, as crime scenes were often destroyed or rendered unreachable amidst ongoing conflict.
Through a meticulous process of corroboration, the investigation linked multiple accounts and visual evidence to create a cohesive narrative, rather than relying solely on individual testimonies.
Ultimately, the findings point to potential war crimes, crimes against humanity, and even acts of genocide under international law, calling for a dedicated framework to prosecute sexual and gender-based violence in conflict.
Elkayyam-Levy noted, “For two years, we’ve gathered narratives and closely examined evidence that often defies comprehension,” emphasizing the report’s case that the sexual violence observed was a calculated and brutally executed strategy.
The report has received support from various notable figures globally, including former political leaders and legal experts.
In light of the findings, Israel’s parliament recently established a special military tribunal to address the actions taken by October 7’s perpetrators, especially focusing on the sexual crimes involved.
This aligns with earlier assessments from a UN mission, which similarly indicated credible evidence of sexual violence related to the conflict occurring during that day and ongoing during hostage situations.
Former hostages have described their experiences, detailing the psychological and physical torment inflicted by captors, and how the guards strategically used starvation and humiliation as tools of oppression.
The commission is dedicated not just to documenting these atrocities but also to ensuring accountability for those responsible under international law.
