RAMLE, ISRAEL – A report released by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers of Israel (ARCCI) sheds light on the horrific sexual crimes committed during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The report details the deliberate and systematic nature of the sexual violence that occurred during the attack. Orit Sulitzeanu, executive director of the ARRCI, emphasized that the report provides initial insights into the sexual assaults, with further details expected to emerge in the future.
The report revealed that the Hamas attack included violent acts of rape, often involving threats with weapons, and that many of these assaults were carried out collectively with the collaboration of the perpetrators. Additionally, the report highlighted the use of “sadistic practices,” such as mutilation and the use of weapons during rapes. The attacks targeted women in various locations, including the Shura military base, kibbutzes, and the Nova music festival.
The difficulties in gathering evidence and testimony during times of war were also highlighted in the report. Furthermore, it was noted that the assaults were not limited to women, but also extended to children and men. The limited exposure of sexual assaults on men was identified as a characteristic of the phenomenon.
Weiss Maudi, a senior adviser to the president of the 77th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgement of the atrocities committed against Israeli women and young girls by U.N. bodies. The report also emphasized the challenges faced by male survivors in seeking help following such traumatic experiences.
The report provides critical insights into the nature of the sexual crimes committed during the Hamas attack, shedding light on the deliberate and systematic nature of the violence. It underlines the challenges in addressing such acts of terror and the importance of recognizing the impact on all survivors, regardless of gender.