The true scale ofHamas’ depravity has been laid bare in a new report, which documents the extent of the group's sexual crimes onOctober 7. Produced by the Civil Commission, the report concludes that sexual and gender-based violence was systematic, widespread, and integral to the attacks and their aftermath.
The report documents testimonies from released hostages and other sources demonstrating how sexual assaults, sexual humiliation, and sexualised torture persisted during captivity inGazafor prolonged periods. In some cases, the sexual and gender-based abuse of hostages continued for months.
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It found evidence of a distinct pattern of violence targeting family members and exploiting familial relationships as instruments of terror.
In several documented incidents, victims were sexually assaulted or humiliated in the presence of relatives, and in one of the documented cases, family members were coerced into participating in acts of abuse against one another.
Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, the commission’s chair, said: “On October 7, 2023, we found ourselves caught in a harrowing glimpse of hell.
“It was a fear so existential that I often say that October 7 was the day we lost our basic sense of security – the ability to feel safe and protected, in our homes, in our communities.
“We were thrust into a horror that defies comprehension; it was real, visceral, celebrated – broadcasted for the world to see.”
Hamas has repeatedly denied that sexual and gender-based violence took place during the attacks or against those held captive. An investigation by theUN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict concluded there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including gang rape, had been committed.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
