The study denounces a series of sexual crimes that were part of a premeditated and organized pattern by Hamas
"Sexual violence doesn't have to be only rape," explained attorney Sharon Zaggi-Pinhas, a member of the project, adding: "It also includes forced nudity, explicit threats, or being forced to bathe in front of captors."
One of the most shocking testimonies comes from Amit Soussana, the only victim who has given her testimony publicly so far.
A new report from the Dinah Project, a legal initiative led by Professor Ruth Halperin-Kadari from Bar Ilan University, revealed that the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas systematically used sexual violence as a war tactic during the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel.
Based on dozens of testimonies from victims, witnesses, rescuers, and psychologists, the document denounces a series of sexual crimes that, according to the report, were not isolated incidents but part of a premeditated and organized pattern.
The study documents cases of gang rapes, genital mutilations, forced nudity, sexual harassment, post-mortem assaults, and hostages sexually assaulted in captivity.
At least six locations were identified where sexual attacks were systematic: the Nova music festival, Route 232, the Nahal Oz military base, and the kibbutzim Kfar Aza, Re’im, and Nir Oz. In all of them, investigators found evidence of planning and coordination by the terrorists.
The authors of the report also strongly criticize the silence of the international community. "The principle of 'believing victims' was not applied here," lamented Halperin-Kadari, emphasizing the lack of clear condemnation from organizations such as UN Women.
The Dinah Project demands that Hamas be included in the international list of groups that use sexual violence as a weapon of war, along with organizations such as ISIS and Boko Haram.
The project's name refers to Dinah, Jacob's daughter who was raped in Genesis and whose voice was never heard. With this report, its authors seek precisely that: for the voices of the victims to finally be heard, and for the world to stop looking the other way.
