A report released Tuesday, May 12, by an independent Israeli investigative commission found that sexual violence was systematic, widespread, and a central component of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The commission concluded that Hamas and its allies deliberately resorted to sexual and gender-based violence during the attacks and against hostages held captive in Gaza.
Described as the most comprehensive report to date, the two-year investigation by researchers and an Israeli non-profit incorporated testimony from 400 witnesses and experts. Investigators uncovered 13 patterns of sexual and gender-based violence across multiple locations, building on prior investigations including those by the UN.
These findings come as the Knesset passed a law establishing a special military tribunal to try Palestinian militants accused of taking part in the October 7 attacks, under which the death penalty could be handed down. The attacks served as the spark for Israel's war with Hamas.