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.
