A comprehensive Israeli investigation concludes that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups engaged in systematic, widespread sexual violence during the October 7, 2023 attacks and against hostages, according to a new report.
The 300-page independent report finds that rapes, sexual assault, and sexual torture were intended to maximize pain and suffering. This is the most detailed report on the topic, drawing on interviews with survivors, footage from attackers, and official records.
Witnesses described hearing and seeing violent gang rapes at the Nova dance festival, where over 370 people were killed. A male survivor reported being used like a "sex doll." Many victims were shot in the head. Dead women were found without underwear, and corpses showed genital mutilation.
About 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage on October 7. The report says sexual violence continued against hostages, including two young relatives forced to perform sex acts on each other.
The Civil Commission says the crimes constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts. The evidence may aid future prosecutions.