Hamas Used Sexual Violence as Part of 'Genocidal Strategy' in October 7 Attack, Israeli Experts Allege

Hamas Accused of Using Sexual Violence as Part of 'Genocidal Strategy'

A new report by The Dinah Project, an Israeli group of legal and gender experts, alleges that Hamas employed sexual violence as a deliberate tactic within a genocidal strategy during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Key Findings of the Report

The report is based on firsthand testimony, including from a survivor of attempted rape and former hostages, as well as witness accounts of sexual assaults. It aims to provide a legal framework for prosecuting these crimes.

While Hamas denies the allegations, a UN mission found reasonable grounds to believe sexual violence occurred during the attack, and the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has accused Hamas leaders of sexual violence as crimes against humanity.

Details of the Alleged Crimes

The report details instances of rape, gang rape, sexualized torture, forced nudity, and sexual harassment. Twenty-seven first responders described dozens of cases showing signs of sexual violence.

The Dinah Project's Goal

The Dinah Project's report seeks to provide a global legal blueprint for prosecuting sexual violence as a weapon of war, even when evidence is limited or survivors are unable to speak.