New Report Finds Sexual Violence Was Systematic in Oct. 7 Hamas Attacks and Aftermath

A new investigation by an independent Israeli nonprofit concludes that sexual violence was widespread, systematic and integral to the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks and the treatment of hostages that followed. The Civil Commission published the report, titled "Silenced No More," after a two-year inquiry.

Key Findings

The commission says its investigation drew on more than 400 testimonies and nearly 2,000 hours of visual analysis to identify 13 distinct patterns of sexual violence, including gang rape, sexual torture, forced nudity and prolonged sexual abuse of hostages. The report documents assaults at multiple sites — including the Nova Music Festival — and describes methods intended to maximize pain and humiliation, such as burning, mutilation and forced insertion of objects. Some abuses were filmed and circulated on social media, the report says.

"Our findings demonstrate that it was a deliberate tactic within the broader architecture of the terror inflicted on victims and hostages," said Cochav Elkayam-Levy, founder and chair of the Civil Commission and lead author of the report.

Methodology

The commission — a team of researchers, lawyers and trauma experts — says it collected and cross-referenced digital materials, conducted interviews and filmed testimonies. The report states it used independent data sources to corroborate evidence, and outlines the 13 recurring patterns of abuse identified across witness accounts and visual material.

Responses, Verification and Criticism

The United Nations has said it found "reasonable grounds" to believe that Hamas militants committed rape and other sexual violence during the Oct. 7 rampage. International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan has indicated he has reason to believe that several Hamas leaders may bear responsibility for "rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity."

At the same time, The Associated Press noted it could not independently verify the report's findings, and some critics have questioned portions of the commission leader's prior research. The report itself acknowledges critiques and lists corroborating endorsements and references.

Broader Context

The report also highlights allegations of sexual violence and torture linked to Israeli detention practices. Human rights groups and Palestinians detained after the Oct. 7 attacks have provided testimony alleging abuse in detention. In March, Israel dropped charges against five soldiers accused of beating and sodomizing a Palestinian detainee in an assault partially captured on video; the dismissals drew praise from hard-line politicians and criticism from rights organizations that said the move signaled reluctance to investigate alleged abuses.

Limitations: The commission's report relies on witness testimony and visual analysis; independent verification of some material remains limited in public reporting. The commission and other international actors have called for further investigation and accountability measures.

Voices of Survivors

Several released hostages have publicly recounted sexual abuse in captivity. The report cites cases such as Romi Gonen, who told Israeli media she was repeatedly sexually assaulted and harassed, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who told the New York Times he was sexually abused and threatened with death if he spoke out.

The Civil Commission's report has renewed calls from some international and Israeli actors for independent investigations into sexual violence allegations tied to the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent detention and treatment of suspects and hostages.