Hamas 'weaponised' sexual violence in 7 October attacks, Israeli investigation says

An independent, Israeli investigation has published harrowing details of "systematic, widespread" sexual violence by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups during the attacks on 7 October 2023, and against hostages.The 300-page report concludes that rapes, sexual assault and sexual torture were intended "to maximize pain and suffering".While the UN and others have published reports on sexual violence during the attacks – in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage – this is the most comprehensive.It draws on 430 filmed interviews with survivors and witnesses, more than 10,000 photographs and videos filmed by attackers, and official records and material from attack sites. Warning: This story contains graphic details of sexual and other violenceHamas has repeatedly denied that sexual and gender-based violence took place during the attacks or against those held captive. An investigation by the UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict concluded there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including gang rape, had been committed.Accounts of sexual violence emerged soon after the Hamas-led attacks, prompting an Israeli legal expert to set up the commission.Witnesses quoted in the Civil Commission report describe hearing and seeing violent gang rapes at the Nova dance festival, where more than 370 people were killed in one of the deadliest attacks. A male survivor also gives an account of being used like a "sex doll" by assailants. Many of those raped or apparently assaulted were shot in the head.