Israeli Authorities Probe Hamas' Involvement in October 7 Terror Attacks, Including Sexual Violence
Israeli authorities launch a comprehensive investigation into sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, utilizing forensic evidence, video footage, witness accounts, and suspect interrogations Uncovering harrowing reports, a thorough inquiry lies ahead
Israeli police are utilizing forensic evidence, video footage, witness statements, and suspect interrogations to compile evidence of rape in relation to the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
According to witnesses of the incident, women and girls who were caught in the rampage were subjected to sexual brutality, physical torture, and ultimately killed.
Police Superintendent Dudi Katz has stated that the authorities have gathered over 1,000 statements and more than 60,000 video clips relating to the attacks, including accounts from individuals who reported witnessing instances of rape. However, it remains uncertain whether any survivors of sexual assault have come forward with firsthand testimony.
Israeli police are currently documenting cases of rape as a result of the October 7 Hamas attacks, marking an unprecedented assault on communities near Gaza. This aftermath is visible at the Kibbutz in Be'eri, Israel, where the authorities are diligently working to gather evidence.
On that day, in villages and farms near Gaza, Hamas militants launched coordinated attacks that resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 Israelis. Many others were injured, and over 240 individuals were taken hostage, which ultimately led to the ongoing war. According to the authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza, the number of Palestinians killed has exceeded 11,000.
Police Commissioner Shabtai Yaakov stated that the current focus of the investigation is on gathering documentation, with potential for future prosecutions.
In response to the devastation caused by the war in Gaza and its impact on Palestinian lives, Cochav Elkayam-Levy, an expert in human rights law at Hebrew University, and her colleagues have established a civil commission. Their goal is to meticulously document evidence of the atrocities. Elkayam-Levy expresses concern that the world is overlooking the violence against Israeli women and girls. She laments that the full extent of their suffering may never be known, but highlights the grim reality that many victims of rape and sexual assault have also been murdered.
She highlighted a United Nations declaration issued only a week after the terrorist attacks, which failed to address the issue of sexual violence.
"The absence of any mention of sexual violence not only disregards us as Israeli women, but also insults our children and our community," she expressed her dissatisfaction towards the UN. "By neglecting to acknowledge our experiences and the atrocities that occurred here, they are ultimately betraying the principles of humanity."
Harrowing reports
Accounts given to CNN detail horrific, almost inhuman, crimes.
A paramedic from the renowned 669 Special Tactics Rescue Unit remarked that while he had witnessed a variety of casualties in the past, the brutality of the events on October 7 was beyond comprehension. In Kibbutz Beeri, he meticulously combed through each residence in search of survivors amidst the devastation, only to discover the lifeless remains of two adolescent girls in a bedroom.
"He informed CNN that there was an individual lying on the bed while another one occupied the floor," disclosed the combat paramedic, who chose to remain anonymous. He confidently asserted that the teenage girl on the floor was positioned on her stomach. Although he was certain that she had been subjected to sexual assault, he was uncertain about the sequence of events regarding her demise.
"She had her pants pulled down, reaching her knees, with a bullet wound located at the backside of her neck, near her head," he recalled. "Surrounding her head, there was a pool of blood, while remnants of semen were found on the lower area of her back."
According to him, the girl lying on the bed displayed bruises across her entire body and sustained a bullet wound in the chest.
He informed CNN that the victims were two girls who had been tragically killed, mercilessly executed, and possibly subjected to sexual assault within the confines of their own bedroom.
Multiple sources recounted similar nightmarish incidents occurring at the Nova music festival, where numerous young individuals fell victim to acts of terrorism, resulting in their untimely demise.
Rami Shmuel, the festival organizer, witnessed unclothed female victims while fleeing and has no doubt regarding the atrocities committed. "Their legs were parted, and some of them were brutally mutilated," he recounted to CNN.
He added that it appeared women were specifically targeted for sexual violence.
"Why didnt they [take] clothes off men?" he asked. "Only women, only young girls, beautiful girls, why?"
A long investigation ahead
The Israeli police have acknowledged that it may take several months to complete their investigation. Elkayam-Levy conceded that it is still uncertain how or where any potential prosecutions would be dealt with. However, she pointed out that some families of dual nationals have the option to seek justice in countries other than Israel and can also pursue legal action in international courts.
During a press briefing, officials revealed compelling evidence they have gathered, shedding light on the Nova festival attack that occurred on October 7. A woman, who chose to remain anonymous, provided a chilling account from her concealed location, stating, "I witnessed someone being forcefully bent over and understood that a rape was taking place. The perpetrator then handed the victim over to another individual."
"She was alive, standing on her feet with blood oozing from her back. I witnessed him forcefully yanking her hair, her long brown locks cascading through his grasp. Shockingly, he proceeded to sever her breast and callously hurled it towards the road. It was then snatched by another individual who callously engaged in playing with it."
The witness further revealed, "To my horror, I beheld another person perpetrating the act of rape on her. Even more disturbingly, while violating her, he callously took aim and fatally shot her in the head."
