There is ample evidence that Hamas raped and mutilated many women during the 7 October 7 surprise attacks in Gaza.

Israeli authorities and witnesses have come forward to expose the terrible acts of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas militants during the attacks on October 7. Survivors are grappling with the trauma, and a detailed investigation reveals a pattern of abuse targeting women of all ages.

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Eyewitness Accounts

Captain Maayan, a reservist on the forensic team, spoke to the BBC, explaining, "We see women of all ages... We see rape victims. We see women who have been through violation. We have pathologists, and we see the bruises, we learn about the cuts and tears, and we know they have been sexually abused."

The evidence that is being reviewed points to a disturbing reality of rape, sexual violence, and mutilation inflicted on women during the Hamas attacks. 

Body collectors and those involved in identifying the deceased have reported multiple signs of sexual assault, with victims ranging from children and teenagers to pensioners.

Evidence that Hamas raped and mutilated women

One eyewitness at the Nova music festival provided video testimony detailing a horrifying incident of gang rape, mutilation, and execution. 

Videos and photographs captured by Hamas fighter's body cameras suggest a deliberate targeting of women, with few survivors able to share their stories.

Israeli police acknowledge "multiple" eyewitness accounts of sexual assault, yet the exact number remains unclear. Surviving victims have not been interviewed, leaving their stories untold. Hamas denies allegations of sexual assault, rejecting Israel's accusations.

Women's Empowerment Minister May Golan revealed that some victims of rape or sexual assault survived but emphasized the brutality of the attacks. "The majority were brutally murdered," she said, highlighting the difficulty survivors face in speaking about their experiences.

PTSD impacts 

 The impact on witnesses has been profound, with Chief of Police Yaacov Shabtai revealing that 18 individuals have been hospitalized for mental health issues, and some are reportedly suicidal.

Witnesses of the event, as well as first responders and body collectors, are experiencing PTSD. 

Survivor testimonies and accounts from body collectors reveal the extent of the atrocities. And the fact that Hamas raped and brutalized so many victims take a toll on mental health.

The chaotic aftermath of the attacks posed challenges for investigators, with limited opportunities to document crime scenes and collect forensic evidence. The first five days were marked by active combat zones, burned bodies, and missing organs, making a thorough investigation difficult.

Intentional Abuse

Civil commissions, including one headed by Dr. Elkayam-Levy, aim to collect testimony on sexual crimes and seek international recognition of the systematic abuse as Crimes Against Humanity. Dr. Elkayam-Levy stated, "We see definite patterns. It wasn't incidental; it wasn't random. They came with a clear order. It was rape as genocide."

Israel's cybercrime unit is investigating whether sexual violence was planned as part of the attack. While it is too early to confirm, data from the phones of Hamas attackers suggests a systematic approach. Documents found on captured fighters and their interrogation clips indicate premeditation.

Almost 2 months later the UN responds

Last week, UN Women issued a statement condemning the "brutal attacks by Hamas" and expressing alarm at the gender-based atrocities. Dr. Elkayam-Levy criticized the delayed response from international women's rights organizations, emphasizing the urgent need for support.

As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the attacks, the survivors' stories underscore the urgency of addressing the disturbing wave of sexual violence inflicted by Hamas militants on innocent women. 

The international community is called upon to recognize and condemn these crimes against humanity, as the survivors begin the difficult journey towards healing and justice.