A newly released 300-page report has unveiled extensive evidence of systematic and widespread sexual violence committed during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The findings, compiled by an independent civil commission, detail incidents of rape, sexual assault, and torture, concluding that these acts were intentionally carried out to maximize the suffering of victims. The investigation represents one of the most thorough examinations to date, synthesizing 430 witness interviews, over 10,000 pieces of visual evidence captured by perpetrators, and official documentation from the impacted sites.

The report highlights that such violence was not isolated but functioned as a weaponized strategy employed across various locations, including the Nova music festival, kibbutzim, and military installations. Witnesses and survivors provided harrowing accounts of gang violence, genital mutilation, and the exploitation of family members as a psychological tactic. The document further asserts that this pattern of abuse extended to hostages held in captivity, affecting both men and women for prolonged durations.

To ensure the integrity of the findings, the commission stated that they purposefully excluded evidence derived from interrogations of detainees. Instead, the authors focused on cross-referencing forensic data and independent survivor accounts to establish a verified historical record. By documenting these atrocities, the commission aims to prevent the denial or erasure of the trauma inflicted during the events of October 7.

The commission’s findings characterize these actions as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide under international law. While Hamas has consistently denied allegations of sexual violence, the report serves as a formal archive of the evidence, which organizers hope will support future legal proceedings and international accountability efforts.