Evidence of Systematic Rape and Sexual Abuse by Hamas in Gaza War Revealed: Israeli Report
A shocking report released by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel has unveiled evidence of “systematic and intentional” rape and sexual abuse during the Hamas attack that ignited the war in Gaza. The findings of the report indicate that the attacks were more widespread than initially believed, occurring at various locations across southern Israel. Disturbingly, some of the rapes were conducted in front of an audience, including partners, family, or friends, to amplify the pain and humiliation experienced by all present.
Orit Sulitzeanu, the executive director of the association, revealed that both male and female victims suffered severe mutilation, including their genitals. The report, published on Wednesday, refrained from specifying the number of cases documented or identifying any victims, even anonymously. Sulitzeanu explained that victim identification was challenging due to many victims being killed after being assaulted. Additionally, first responders were overwhelmed by the scale of death and destruction, leading them to overlook signs of sexual abuse.
The authors of the report conducted their research through confidential and public interviews with officials and first responders, as well as media reports. Sulitzeanu mentioned that they also relied on “confidential sources,” although she declined to confirm whether they had spoken directly to victims. Several reports, including one from The Guardian, have previously highlighted sexual assault as part of the atrocity-filled rampage carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. These attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages on October 7th.
Hamas has vehemently denied allegations of sexual assault committed by its gunmen. However, according to the Israeli report, which has been submitted to the United Nations and UN investigators conducting a parallel investigation, sexual and gender-based violence occurred at four main locations. These include a music festival where over 360 people lost their lives, communities near the Gaza border, Israeli military bases overrun by Hamas, and places where hostages were held in Gaza.
During a week-long ceasefire, more than 100 hostages were released, some of whom have come forward to describe being groped or mistreated by their captors. Sulitzeanu emphasized that the purpose of the report was to highlight the similarities in sexual violence across multiple sites, indicating a coordinated and directed effort by Hamas.
The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel represents numerous rape crisis centers across the country. Their aim is to provide support and assistance to victims of sexual violence. The release of this report serves as a crucial step towards shedding light on the horrifying acts committed during the Gaza war and seeking justice for the victims. It is imperative that these findings are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable.