An independent Israeli investigative commission has accused Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and allied groups of carrying out “systematic, widespread” sexual violence during the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, as well as against hostages held in Gaza.
The findings are detailed in a 300-page report published by the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, which was established in November 2023. According to the report, the use of sexual and gender-based violence was “integral” to both the initial assault and its aftermath.
“Following a two-year independent investigation, the Civil Commission concludes that sexual and gender-based violence was systematic, widespread, and integral to the October 7th attacks and their aftermath,” the report states. It further alleges that such acts occurred at multiple stages, including during abductions, transfers, and captivity.
Investigators drew on a wide range of sources, including survivor and witness testimonies, photographs, videos, and official records. The commission said it reviewed more than 10,000 images and video clips, amounting to over 1,800 hours of visual material, and conducted more than 430 interviews with survivors, former hostages, experts, and relatives of victims.
The report describes instances of “extreme cruelty,” claiming that abuse was often carried out in ways designed to intensify fear and humiliation. It also states that “sexualised torture persisted during captivity in Gaza for prolonged periods,” with some hostages allegedly subjected to abuse for months.
