Hamas Used Sexual Violence in 7 October Attacks, Israeli Report Claims

Hamas weaponised sexual violence in 7 October – Hamas systematically employed sexual violence as a tool of psychological and physical terror during the 7 October attacks, according to a comprehensive Israeli-led investigation. The report, spanning 300 pages, reveals organized instances of rape, sexual assault, and genital mutilation committed by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. These acts were not random but part of a calculated strategy to amplify trauma, as detailed in the findings. While the United Nations has previously documented such abuses, this report presents the most in-depth analysis of the issue, shedding light on the deliberate use of sexual violence in the context of the attacks.

Methodology and Evidence

The investigation drew on a detailed examination of 430 video-recorded testimonies from survivors, alongside over 10,000 images and videos captured by attackers. These sources illustrate the coordinated nature of the violence, with assailants exploiting the chaos of the attacks to target civilians. The report underscores how sexual acts were used to instill fear and control, often in public spaces or during prolonged captivity. Israeli officials now acknowledge that the assaults were part of a broader offensive, including the systematic sexual abuse of hostages held for days.

Despite Hamas’s denials, the report finds sufficient evidence to support the claim that sexual violence was weaponized during the 7 October assaults. The UN’s earlier findings, which cited “sufficient grounds to suspect” such abuses, are now reinforced by the Israeli inquiry. By cross-referencing testimonies and physical evidence, the commission has built a compelling case of how these tactics were designed to deepen the psychological impact on victims and communities.

Harrowing Accounts from Survivors

Testimonies from the Nova dance festival, one of the most devastating attack sites, describe scenes of gang rape and extreme brutality. Over 370 people were killed there, and survivors recount how attackers systematically targeted individuals, reducing them to objects of suffering. One male witness described being treated as a “sex doll,” a chilling illustration of the dehumanization faced by victims. The report also highlights cases where women and men were found without clothing or with signs of sexual mutilation, further emphasizing the coordinated nature of the attacks.

“The attackers used sexual violence to transform the festival into a site of terror, leaving survivors in lasting trauma,” said a witness interviewed for the report.

Hostages held by militants experienced prolonged abuse, with some subjected to repeated sexual acts while in captivity. The report documents instances where victims were executed after being stripped of their dignity, underscoring the intent behind these actions. Former captives, including Amit Soussana and Arbel Yehud, have shared their experiences, while others provided confidential accounts to medical teams and investigators, reinforcing the systematic approach of Hamas.

International Legal Context

The findings suggest that the violence qualifies as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and potentially genocide under international law. The report aims to preserve a clear historical record of the atrocities, ensuring that the suffering of victims is not forgotten. By detailing the weaponization of sexual violence during the 7 October attacks, the investigation contributes to a global understanding of the tactics used to destabilize civilian populations.

While challenges arose in the early stages of the crisis—such as Israeli officials initially dismissing some incidents as exaggerated—the report maintains rigorous verification processes. Key evidence, including forensic material from the attack sites, was cross-checked to establish the scale and intent of the sexual violence. This methodological approach strengthens the credibility of the claims, linking the attacks to a deliberate pattern of abuse targeting both men and women.