Hamas Sexual Crimes Detailed in New Report on October 7 Attack

Latest Developments

A new study released on February 21 provides fresh details about the sexual crimes that Hamas carried out during its October 7 attack on Israel. “Many rape incidents occurred collectively, with collaboration among the perpetrating terrorists. In some cases, rape was conducted in front of an audience, such as partners, family, or friends, to increase the pain and humiliation for all present,” states the study by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI). The findings follow months of testimony and collection of evidence by experts. The sexual assaults took place at a music festival, at communities on the Gaza border, at army posts the terrorists overran, and in Hamas captivity. The report adds to a growing body of evidence documenting Hamas’s crimes during and after the October 7 attack.

Expert Analysis

“Increasing evidence of Hamas sex crimes perpetrated during the October 7 attack and in its aftermath against hostages further illustrates why Hamas must be completely defeated. The crimes of sexual violence and the brutality with which Hamas perpetrated its October 7 attack demonstrate the terrorist group’s genocidal mentality.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“For years, Hamas and other terrorist organizations involved in the October 7 attacks have shown a complete disregard for the lives of innocent civilians. They do not differentiate between civilians and military personnel, nor do they distinguish between Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews. The appalling crimes Hamas and its allies committed on that day leave no doubt that Israel is justified in its campaign in Gaza to remove these groups from power.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

‘Designed to Destroy and Inflict Sadistic Terror’

The assault on Israel by Hamas on October 7 included sexual crimes that were carried out “systematically and deliberately,” the ARCCI study says. The attacks were “characterized by multiple assailants, assaults in front of family members, executions and accompanied by unique sadistic practices.” These assaults, “such as genital mutilation of girls, women, and men, shooting, and weapon insertion, were designed to destroy and inflict sadistic terror.” The new study is based on testimony from witnesses as well as interviews with those involved in rescuing victims on October 7 and with first responders who saw the bodies of victims.

During a presentation to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations on February 20, a former hostage detailed Hamas’s abuse of women in captivity. Aviva Siegal “described how one of the young women taken by the terrorists was handcuffed and beaten with a stick by four of them, three other young girls were made to shower in front of their guards,” Ynet reported.

Related Analysis

“Unless Hamas Releases Hostages, Israel to Push into Rafah During Ramadan,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Releases Seized Footage of Bibas Family Kidnapped by Hamas,” FDD Flash Brief

“UN Experts to Investigate Allegations of Hamas Sexual Violence as Crimes Against Humanity,” FDD Flash Brief