Israeli Report Finds That Sexual Violence by Hamas Was Widespread
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A team of Israeli researchers published a comprehensive report detailing systematic and widespread sexual violence by Palestinian militants during and after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
- The investigation, spanning two years, found that sexual violence was integral to the attack and subsequent violations against hostages taken to Gaza, including abuse broadcast in real time to victims' families via social media.
- The report introduces the term "kinocidal violence" to describe instances where perpetrators abused victims in front of relatives or coerced family members into acts of sexual violence against each other.
- The findings build on fragmented accounts and previous documentation by the United Nations and human rights organizations regarding sexual violence during the chaotic aftermath of the attack.