Hamas 'weaponised' sexual violence in 7 October attacks, Israeli investigation says

An independent Israeli Civil Commission published a 300-page report detailing 'systematic, widespread' sexual violence by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups during the 7 October 2023 attacks and against hostages. The report draws on 430 filmed interviews, more than 10,000 photographs and videos filmed by attackers, and official records and material from attack sites. It concludes the violence was intended 'to maximize pain and suffering' and describes the attacks as 'the weaponization of sexual violence.' The Commission finds the crimes constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts under international law, stores its evidence in a secure archive for future prosecutions, and notes that some victims spoke publicly while others spoke confidentially to medical staff and investigators. It documents a distinct pattern of violence targeting family members, including cases where two young relatives were forced to perform sex acts on each other.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups attacked Israel, with about 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage. An Israeli Civil Commission report describes the attacks as 'systematic, widespread' sexual violence carried out by Hamas and other groups, intended 'to maximize pain and suffering.' Witnesses report gang rapes at the Nova dance festival, where more than 370 people were killed, along with accounts of victims found shot or subjected to genital mutilation. The report characterises the attacks as the 'weaponization of sexual violence' and notes that violence extended to hostages held in captivity.

In the immediate aftermath, some initial violence reports circulated by Israeli officials were later shown to be false. Some forensic evidence at crime scenes was destroyed as first responders rushed to emergencies. The Civil Commission says it did not rely on evidence from Israeli interrogations of detained suspects to maintain independent assessment.