Hamas’ Systematic Sexual Violence on October 7 Exposed in Quest for Justice Report

In a chilling revelation, a comprehensive report by The Dinah Project has laid bare the horrifying reality of Hamas' systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war during the brutal October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Titled "A Quest for Justice: October 7 and Beyond," this 80-page document compiles open-source evidence and new testimonies to expose the calculated atrocities—rape, gang-rape, and extreme sexual violence—inflicted as part of a broader genocidal scheme to terrorize and dehumanize Israeli society.

The report, overseen by Professor Ruth Halperin-Kaddari of Bar-Ilan University, demands that international human rights groups acknowledge these acts as war crimes and urges the U.N. secretary general to blacklist Hamas. Drawing from firsthand accounts of returned hostages, eyewitnesses, and first responders, the findings detail widespread and systematic sexual violence across multiple locations, including the Nova music festival, Route 232, and several kibbutzim. Victims were often found naked, bound, and subjected to unspeakable brutality, with many murdered or taken hostage.

Perhaps most damning is the evidence of continued abuse in captivity, with hostages reporting forced nudity, sexual harassment, and threats of forced marriage. The report also highlights a profound failure of the international community, pointing to initial skepticism and politicization that delayed recognition of these crimes. Despite eventual corroboration by entities like UN Women and the International Criminal Court, the silence of some women’s rights groups remains a bitter disappointment.

Presented to Israel’s first lady Michal Herzog, the report calls for a redefined legal framework to prosecute all involved in the attack, advocating for conflict-related sexual violence to be treated as a distinct crime against humanity. Herzog herself described the findings as heartbreaking, urging the world to fight for justice and ensure the victims’ voices are heard.

This isn’t just a report; it’s a moral challenge to the global community. The systematic silencing of victims must end, and accountability must be pursued with unrelenting resolve. As the report sets the historical record straight, it paves the way for future criminal proceedings against Hamas and its collaborators, ensuring that such horrors are neither forgotten nor repeated.