Israeli report accuses Hamas of sexual violence, urges legal action

9/7/2025 6:24

Israeli researchers released a report on Tuesday detailing sexual assault allegations against Palestinian Hamas fighters who attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, and offering a "legal blueprint" for potential prosecutions.



The Bar-Ilan University report cites at least 17 witnesses testifying to at least 15 separate cases of sexual assault, including gang rape and mutilation of sexual organs. It cites numerous instances of bodies found partially or fully naked, some handcuffed to poles or trees, and bodies with gunshots to the genitalia and other genital mutilation.



Accounts of sexual assault committed by Hamas militants on October 7 have been documented widely. Several hostages released from Hamas captivity said they witnessed and experienced acts of assault, including forced penetration, by their captors.



Hamas has consistently denied allegations of sexual assault. Hamas official Bassem Naim said the report was "not worth commenting" on.