Hamas weaponized sexual violence, Israeli report says

Hamas terrorists intentionally used sexual violence as a tactical weapon during their Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack, according to a report released Tuesday from the Dinah Project. The Israeli women’s rights organization, founded in response to the attack, compiled the report to condemn sexual violence in conflict and hold the terrorist organization accountable at an international level. The report included a collection of evidence and a framework for victims to pursue legal action.

While most victims were Israeli women, Hamas used the same tactics against some men, according to the Dinah Project. The report also presented evidence that Israeli hostages in Gaza experienced sexual violence and concluded that such abuse was likely ongoing for living hostages. The Dinah Project noted that most of the victims weren’t able to give firsthand evidence because they were murdered following the assaults they suffered.

What evidence did the report rely on?

• Firsthand accounts from one Oct. 7 sexual violence survivor and 15 returned hostages who experienced or witnessed such violence

• 17 eyewitness accounts of assault and mutilation

• Testimony from 27 first responders

• Morgue attendants’ accounts and photographs

• Videos, photos, and communications about the attack

Are the new report’s findings consistent with the findings of previous studies of Hamas’ attack? A 2024 United Nations report said it found reasonable grounds for belief that the terrorist organization used a strategy of sexual violence in its Oct. 7 attack. Israeli hostages in Gaza also likely suffered ongoing sexual violence, the report said.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Hamas’ claim that it wants a ceasefire and its rejection of a U.S.-backed plan.