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An Israeli group supporting survivors of sexual abuse launched a report on Wednesday concluding that acts of sexual violence towards Israelis had been “systematic and widespread” throughout and after the Hamas-led assault on October 7. .
“The report finds that Hamas assaults included brutal acts of violent rape, which frequently included threats with weapons, significantly towards injured ladies,” stated the group The Affiliation of Rape Disaster Facilities in Israel, which There’s a core group of 9 such organizations in Israel. , The report stated a number of incidents included gang rape.
“Often, rape was dedicated in entrance of spectators – companions, household or buddies – in a means that elevated the ache and humiliation of all current,” the report stated.
“The attackers minimize and mutilated the sexual organs and different physique elements with knives,” the report stated.
It has been claimed within the report Its findings and evaluation “clearly exhibit that sexual abuses weren’t remoted incidents or remoted instances, however a transparent operational technique.”
Based mostly on an evaluation of data collected by the group, the report concluded that sexual crimes had been dedicated towards individuals at a rave website, in kibbutzim and at army bases, and towards individuals held hostage in Gaza.
The report was based mostly on testimony, interviews with first responders and articles, together with a month-long investigation printed by The New York Instances in late December, which documented a sample of gender-based violence within the Hamas-led October 7 assault it was finished.
Hamas has repeatedly denied that its fighters dedicated sexual violence on October 7. For instance, three days after the Instances investigation was printed, Hamas stated in a press release that the group's leaders “categorically deny such allegations” and described it as a part of Israel's effort. To justify the killing of Palestinian civilians.
Hamas has stated that the “faith, values and tradition” of its fighters prohibit such acts, and that as Muslims, they’re “obliged to respect and defend all ladies.” The group has stated it welcomes any worldwide investigation into allegations of sexual violence.
Israeli activists and their allies have expressed frustration at worldwide organizations such because the United Nations for his or her sluggish response to stories of sexual violence as a part of the October 7 assault. In late January, a UN workforce led by Pramila Patten, the Particular Consultant of the UN Secretary-Basic on sexual violence within the battle, visited Israel to analyze these stories.
Orit Sulitzenu, government director of the Affiliation of Rape Disaster Facilities in Israel, stated In a information launch that the report was submitted to choice makers on the United Nations, “Silence is not an choice,” she stated. “We count on worldwide organizations to take a transparent stance; We can’t stand on the sidelines.”