First on CNN: New report details ‘systematic’ rape and sexual violence during Hamas’ Oct 7 attack on Israel

First on CNN: New Report Details ‘Systematic’ Rape and Sexual Violence During Hamas’ Oct 7 Attack on Israel

First on CNN – A groundbreaking investigation has unveiled a disturbing pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by Hamas militants and their allies during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The findings, shared exclusively with CNN, suggest that these acts were not isolated incidents but part of a calculated strategy to intensify trauma and suffering among victims. The report, which presents the most extensive evidence yet, highlights how sexual violence was systematically employed throughout the assault and its aftermath.

Systematic Nature of the Violence

The report concludes that the sexual abuse experienced during the Oct 7 attacks was “systematic, widespread, and integral to” the overall assault. Human rights expert and lead author Cochav Elkayam-Levy emphasized that this form of violence was deliberate, aimed at exploiting the vulnerability of captives and amplifying the psychological and physical impact of the attacks. Survivors, including both men and children, were subjected to a range of abuses, from sexual torture to forced nudity, with some cases involving the perpetrators filming their victims and later disseminating the footage.

Survivors’ Accounts and Testimonies

More than 10 survivors have provided firsthand accounts of the extreme sexual violence they endured during the attack, their abduction, or while held in Gaza. Among them are former hostages such as Romi Gonen, Rom Braslavski, Arbel Yehud, Amit Soussana, and Ilana Gritzewsky, who have openly shared their experiences. Others have described their trauma in private, confiding in experts, investigators, and medical professionals. The report also includes previously undisclosed allegations, such as the sexual abuse of two minors who were reportedly forced by their captors to engage in sexual acts with one another while being held hostage in Gaza.

One particularly harrowing example cited in the report involves the Nova Music Festival site near the Gaza perimeter. According to a survivor who was present during the attack, they heard multiple instances of rape as militants passed victims around. “I heard one rape where they were passing her around. She was probably injured, judging by her screams—screams you have never heard anywhere,” the individual is quoted as saying. This account is supported by another survivor, who also recounted hearing the same incidents. Additional testimony comes from witnesses who later discovered the bodies of victims, noting that their clothes were torn, legs spread, and intimate areas severely damaged.

Witnesses and Evidence Collection

The report outlines at least six other cases where individuals directly observed rapes or gang rapes. All of these witnesses described victims being shot dead after the sexual assaults, underscoring the brutality of the attacks. Elkayam-Levy explained that the report’s primary objective is to ensure the victims’ suffering cannot be denied, erased, or forgotten. A digital archive, containing all the evidence collected by the team, will be made available to the public after a designated period to safeguard the privacy of the survivors.

CNN has reviewed a portion of the archive, which includes thousands of photographs and video segments. The team spent over 1,800 hours analyzing more than 10,000 images, many of which depict gruesome scenes of sexual violence. These materials were gathered through extensive interviews with survivors, first responders, forensic examiners, and medical experts. The researchers also met with lawyers representing victims and conducted numerous discussions with investigators to piece together the events.

Endorsements and Research Process

The report has received public support from several prominent figures, including Sheryl Sandberg and Hillary Clinton. These experts and activists have endorsed the findings, calling attention to the systematic nature of the violence. Elkayam-Levy, who founded the Civil Commission—a non-governmental organization dedicated to documenting evidence from the attack—has been instrumental in compiling the report. The team’s two-year effort involved meticulous cataloging and verification of evidence, ensuring the accuracy of their claims.

Key to the report’s credibility are the testimonies of survivors, which were gathered through direct conversations with researchers. These accounts are corroborated by physical evidence, such as photographs of victims’ bodies and video footage of the attacks. The report also highlights the repeated use of sexual torture, threats of forced marriage, and the systematic filming of victims, all of which indicate that the violence was not an incidental part of the attack but a central component of Hamas’ strategy.

Impact on Victims and Future Implications

Elkayam-Levy stressed that the report’s goal is to preserve the truth about the suffering of those who were captured and subjected to sexual violence. By creating a comprehensive archive, the team aims to provide a clear and convincing record of the abuse, which can be used to hold perpetrators accountable. The findings challenge the perception of the Oct 7 attacks as purely military operations, instead revealing a broader campaign of psychological warfare and systematic brutality.

The report’s authors assert that the evidence demonstrates a “clear and convincing pattern” of sexual and gender-based abuse across multiple locations. These abuses were not limited to a single event but occurred repeatedly, indicating a well-organized approach. The repeated exposure of victims to sexual torture and the subsequent killings highlight the intent to dehumanize and destroy the captives’ dignity. The document also includes detailed descriptions of how victims were restrained, threatened, and forced into compromising situations, further emphasizing the calculated nature of the attacks.

While the report does not claim to have verified every detail, it presents a compelling case supported by a diverse array of sources. The inclusion of both testimonies and physical evidence strengthens the case for the systematic use of sexual violence as a tool of oppression. Elkayam-Levy’s organization, the Civil Commission, has worked to ensure that the evidence remains intact and accessible for future analysis. This effort underscores the importance of preserving the narratives of those who survived the attacks, even as they continue to grapple with their trauma.

Broader Context and Significance

The findings of this report add a new dimension to the understanding of the Oct 7 attacks, revealing the role of sexual violence in the broader context of conflict. The report suggests that Hamas used these tactics not only to inflict physical harm but also to instill fear and psychological distress in their victims. The sexual torture and forced nudity described by survivors serve as a means of humiliation, further complicating the victims’ experiences of captivity.

By documenting these incidents, the report seeks to establish a lasting record of the atrocities committed. It also aims to raise awareness about the scale and severity of the violence, prompting international scrutiny and action. The collaboration between survivors, medical professionals, and investigators highlights the collective effort to uncover the truth. As the evidence continues to be analyzed, it may lead to greater accountability for those responsible and a deeper understanding of the tactics employed during the attack.

The report’s release marks a significant milestone in the documentation of sexual violence during conflicts. It provides a detailed account of the systematic nature of the abuse, supported by multiple sources and corroborated by expert analysis. The inclusion of previously unknown allegations, such as the sexual exploitation of minors, adds to the gravity of the findings. These revelations not only shed light on the Oct 7 attacks but also contribute to the broader conversation about the role of sexual violence in warfare and its lasting impact on survivors.