An Israeli organization issued a report on Wednesday stating that incidents of sexual violence towards Israelis during and after the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7 were determined to be “systematic and widespread.”
The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, representing nine such organizations, stated that the report reveals the Hamas attack comprised brutal acts of violent rape, often accompanied by weapon threats, specifically targeting injured women.
Additionally, the report highlighted that many incidents involved gang rape.
The report further stated that the attackers utilized knives to cut and mutilate sexual organs and other body parts.
Additionally, the report asserted that its information and analysis unequivocally indicate that sexual abuse was not an isolated incident or sporadic cases but rather a deliberate operational strategy.
Sexual Violence Across Multiple Locations
According to the organization’s analysis, the report concluded that instances of sexual crimes occurred at a rave site, in kibbutzim, and at military bases, as well as against hostages detained in Gaza.
The report drew upon testimonies, interviews with emergency medical personnel, and articles, notably referencing an extensive investigation published by The New York Times in late December.
This investigation documented a consistent pattern of gender-based violence during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7.
The issue of sexual violence has been a contentious aspect of the Oct. 7 attack. Various news outlets have reported allegations of sexual violence during the incident.
The New York Times, on Dec. 28, provided firsthand accounts from several witnesses who claimed to have observed women being sexually assaulted and killed.
The Times examined visual evidence, including photographs and videos depicting indications of sexual assault and mutilation on women’s bodies.
Additionally, The Times interviewed emergency responders who reported discovering naked or partially clothed bodies of women and girls, displaying signs of sexual assault.