On October 7, a series of attacks were carried out on Israel, with allegations of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas-led militants. These allegations have been supported by testimonies from survivors, witnesses, and investigators, as well as evidence from the Israeli military. The military set up a morgue to identify and prepare the dead for burial, where signs of torture and rape were found on some bodies.
The Israeli government, along with the Physicians for Human Rights in Israel, have documented incidents of sexual and gender-based crimes at various locations including a music festival, homes around the Gaza Strip, and an Israeli military base. The accounts include instances of rape, sexual assault, and the discovery of victims wearing only bloodied underwear.
The pursuit of justice for the victims of the October 7 attacks is complicated by the difficulty of identifying victims and linking suspects to specific crimes. The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over atrocity crimes committed by Palestinians on Israeli territory. However, Israel does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, suggesting that a different legal approach may be required.
The United Nations has heard accounts of the sexual violence during the attacks, with Israeli officials, US politicians, and activists calling for a full investigation into these crimes. The UN meeting included videos from police interviews with first responders who described genital mutilation and gang rape. US President Joe Biden condemned the alleged sexual violence and called on the world to condemn such conduct.
Despite the evidence and testimonies, Hamas denies the allegations. Activists have criticized the lack of attention given to the allegations and the slow response from international organizations. The Israeli government has accused the international community, particularly the United Nations, of ignoring the pain of Israeli victims.
The investigation into the allegations of sexual violence during the October 7 attacks continues, with U.S. officials calling for a thorough investigation into the reports of sexual violence. The complexity of the investigation and the trauma experienced by survivors are significant challenges to overcome.