
An independent Israeli investigation has published a nearly 300-page report alleging that acts of sexual violence were committed in a "systematic and widespread" manner during the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.
According to the report, these actions were used as "weapons of war" with the aim of causing maximum suffering to victims and survivors.
The document includes evidence gathered from interviews with survivors, film footage and photographs, as well as data from the crime scenes.
The investigation also alleges that sexual violence was recorded both during the initial attacks on Israel and against some of the hostages taken in Gaza.
The report cites cases of testimony from survivors who have spoken publicly or confidentially about violent treatment and abuse.
Hamas has consistently denied accusations of using sexual violence during attacks or hostage situations.
The report, which aims to create a historical documentation of the events, emphasizes that the evidence collected can also serve in future international legal processes.
The attacks of October 7, 2023 were considered one of the deadliest days in Israeli history and marked the beginning of a bloody war in the Gaza Strip, with severe humanitarian consequences on both sides.