First on CNN: New report details ‘systematic’ rape and sexual violence during Hamas’ Oct 7 attack on Israel
Editor’s Note
First on CNN – This article contains descriptions of sexual assault and violence. A recent investigation into the October 7, 2023 attacks reveals that Hamas fighters and associated groups subjected victims to sexual assault and torture both during and after the violence, aiming to intensify their suffering. The report, shared exclusively with CNN, presents the most extensive evidence to date of sexual and gender-based violence against women, men, and children, characterizing the acts as “systematic, widespread, and integral to” the assault.
Systematic Strategy
According to the findings, the sexual violence was not a random occurrence but a deliberate tactic employed by Hamas to amplify trauma. Lead author and human rights specialist Cochav Elkayam-Levy explained that the organization used these methods to create maximum distress. “The most critical revelation is that the sexual violence on October 7 and the abuse of hostages in Gaza was part of a calculated plan,” Elkayam-Levy stated. The report emphasizes how the brutality was embedded in the attack’s design, targeting individuals across all demographics.
“The most important finding is the fact that the sexual violence on October 7 and against hostages in captivity has been a calculated strategy by Hamas,” lead author and human rights expert Cochav Elkayam-Levy told CNN.
Survivor Accounts
The report incorporates firsthand accounts from over 10 survivors who endured severe sexual violence during the attack, their abduction, or while held in Gaza. Some, such as former hostages Romi Gonen, Rom Braslavski, Arbel Yehud, Amit Soussana, and Ilana Gritzewsky, have publicly shared their experiences. Others have disclosed their trauma in private sessions with investigators, medical professionals, and legal representatives. Among the newly uncovered allegations is a case involving two minors who, while in captivity, claim they were sexually abused and compelled to engage in acts of mutual intimacy with their captors.
Testimonies and Evidence
The documentation includes testimonies directly provided to researchers, as well as insights gathered through multiple meetings with experts. One particularly disturbing account describes three instances of rape at the Nova Music Festival site, near the Gaza border. A survivor recounted hearing one of these incidents, describing the victim as being passed around by aggressors. “She was likely injured, judging by her screams—screams you’ve never heard anywhere,” the individual said. This testimony aligns with another survivor’s account and is supported by additional witnesses who later discovered the bodies of victims with torn clothing, spread legs, and mutilated intimate areas.
The report outlines at least six other cases where victims were directly observed being raped or subjected to gang assaults. In one instance, a witness claimed to have seen a young woman being raped by several men, then killed. The repeated nature of these attacks—spanning multiple locations and occasions—suggests a coordinated effort to systematize the violence. The authors argue that the inclusion of sexual torture, forced nudity, restraint, threats of marriage, and the dissemination of graphic imagery indicates that these acts were not isolated but a core component of the attack and its aftermath.
Preserving the Evidence
Elkayam-Levy highlighted the report’s aim to ensure the victims’ suffering is not overlooked. The team has compiled a digital archive containing all collected evidence, which will remain confidential for a designated period to safeguard the privacy of those involved. While CNN has reviewed a portion of the visual material, it has not yet confirmed every detail. The archive includes thousands of photographs and video clips, some of which depict harrowing scenes of violence.
Independent Verification
The investigation was conducted by the Civil Commission, an independent non-governmental group established by Elkayam-Levy to document and preserve evidence from the attack. The report asserts that the compiled data provides “clear and convincing evidence” of recurring patterns of sexual and gender-based abuse. The authors note that the perpetrators’ systematic approach—such as filming and spreading images of the violence—was intended to reinforce their control over the victims and the broader population.
Expert Endorsements
The findings have garnered support from several prominent figures in the field of human rights and advocacy. Among them are Sheryl Sandberg and Hillary Clinton, who publicly endorsed the report. The team behind the study spent over two years meticulously gathering, analyzing, and organizing evidence. This process involved hundreds of interviews with survivors, first responders, forensic experts, and medical professionals, as well as more than 1,800 hours of analysis on over 10,000 images and videos from the attack.
Elkayam-Levy emphasized the importance of the report in providing a comprehensive account of the atrocities. “The goal is to make sure the victims’ pain cannot be denied or erased,” she said. The archive serves as a repository for all findings, ensuring that the evidence remains accessible for future analysis. However, the team has taken steps to protect the identities of those who shared sensitive details, particularly minors, by withholding information from the public during the initial phase of the investigation.
Broader Implications
The report’s findings challenge previous narratives about the Oct 7 attacks, highlighting how sexual violence was woven into the attack’s structure. By detailing the repeated use of sexual torture, the documentation underscores the psychological and physical toll on victims. The authors argue that this deliberate strategy was not only to inflict pain but also to reinforce Hamas’ dominance over the affected communities. The evidence presented suggests that the violence extended beyond immediate combat, becoming a tool for long-term control and intimidation.
As the report gains traction, it raises critical questions about the scope of the attack and its aftermath. The inclusion of testimonies from both public and confidential sources provides a multifaceted view of the trauma experienced. Additionally, the discovery of new allegations—such as the case involving minors—adds a layer of complexity to the understanding of the attack’s brutality. These accounts, combined with the extensive analysis of visual materials, offer a detailed picture of the systematic nature of the sexual violence.
The Civil Commission’s work has also shed light on the mechanisms used to sustain the abuse. From the initial assault to the post-capture phase, perpetrators employed a range of tactics to ensure the victims’ suffering was both immediate and enduring. The report’s authors stress that this pattern of violence was not accidental but a carefully planned element of the attack. Their findings are expected to influence ongoing discussions about the Oct 7 attacks and their aftermath, potentially shaping international responses and accountability efforts.
Conclusion
With the report’s release, the focus on sexual violence during the Oct 7 attacks has taken on new urgency. The testimonies and evidence collected over two years reveal a deliberate strategy by Hamas to target victims through systematic and widespread abuse. As the digital archive becomes a central resource for understanding the trauma, it stands as a testament to the resilience of those who endured it. The authors hope this documentation will ensure that the suffering of the victims remains a focal point in the broader narrative of the conflict.
