The Association of Rape Crisis Centre in Israel (ARCCI) reported on Wednesday that Israeli civilians were subjected to “brutal sexual assaults” during Hamas attacks on October 7.
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The report, drew testimonies from eyewitnesses, first responders, forensic experts, and media coverage, details on how Hamas militants perpetrated extreme sexual violence against civilians, often killing them after rape.
Tortures inflicted upon Israeli Civilians
The report refrains from specifying the number of sexual assault cases and does not clarify whether victims were interviewed. However, it highlights that in the majority of instances, victims were assaulted either during or after the rape occurred.
Based on the evidence compiled by the ARCCI, people of all genders, men, women and even children fell victim to horrific sexual abuse. It is an account of the severity of these sexual offenses in details, such as incidents of gang rape reported during the Nova music festival in the southern desert region of Israel. It highlighted that there were such gruesome instances in which the Israeli civilians were raped in the presence of the victims’ partners, family members, or friends, with the intention of infusing suffering and humiliation among all those present.
Statements from responders and forensic experts who spoke to the ARCCI revealed that some victims near the Gaza Strip, who were women or young girls were raped, mostly in their bedrooms. Two former hostages who were released described that they could hear other hostages being assaulted. Various sources indicate that many Israeli civilians’ bodies were found mutilated with sexual organs brutally attacked, and in some cases, weapons were inserted into them. It is likely that such acts are still being inflicted upon the hostages who remain in Gaza.
An investigation was carried out by the UN experts against Palestinian women and girls in Gaza and West Bank. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights the investigation revealed numerous allegations ranging from extrajudicial killing, rape, sexual violence etc. On the contrary all these accusations have been refuted by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and they said that without any scrupulous details it is not possible for them to look into the cases in depth.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry’s stance on Hamas
The Israeli Foreign Ministry plans to disseminate globally a report compiled by the Association of Aid Centres for Victims of Sexual Assault. This report outlines the abuses by Hamas during the October 7 massacre.
This will mark the initial step of a broad public diplomacy campaign by the Israeli Government which will expose the authentic nature and character of the Hamas group.
Hamas Attacks, on October 7
The Hamas, initiated a series of armed attacks on Gaza. These attacks led the commencement of the Israel-Hamas war. The onslaught began in the early hours, with relentless launching of almost 3000 rockets towards Israel. They attacked nearby communities like Aza, Nir Oz, and also Nova Music Festival. Numerous Israeli civilians fell prey to these attacks and lost their lives. 250 Israeli civilians as well as soldiers were taken as hostages.
Hamas said that their motive behind these assaults was to stop the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the blockade on the Gaza strip, expansion of illegal Israeli settlements etc.
Hamas Militant Group
Hamas is a militant Palestinian, Islamist movement operating in the West bank and Gaza strip with an aim to establish an independent Islamic state in Palestine. It was formed in 1987, and demands, “complete liberation of Palestine”. In order to fulfil its objective, it will go to the extent of perpetuating violence including acts of terrorism.
ARCCI
ARCCI stands for the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel. It is an umbrella organization that coordinates the efforts of nine regional Rape Crisis Centers across Israel, aiming to combat sexual violence and provide support to survivors.
