Israeli Authority Figures Call for Prosecution of Hamas for Its Sexual Abuse Campaign
Israel has taken a significant step in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, calling for cooperation with various states to prosecute the militant group and its abettors for sexual crimes. This move comes in the wake of a report by the Dinah Project, an Israeli organization, which found at least 15 separate cases of sexual assault, including at least four instances of gang rape, during the conflict in 2023.
The report, which relied on dozens of accounts including survivors, witnesses, and first responders, has led Israel to request the establishment of special mechanisms to bring justice beyond its borders. The military has declared Gaza City a combat zone, and reports indicate the return of the bodies of two hostages.
Notably, Israel conducted a precise strike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar as part of these efforts. The United Nations has already blacklisted Hamas for sexual violence conducted during and after the October 7 attacks.
Dr Cochav Elkayam-Levy, founder and chair of the Civil Commission on 7 October Crimes, commented on this decision in an exclusive op-ed. Behind every UN document and diplomatic statement, he states, is a victim whose dignity was shattered. Elkayam-Levy emphasizes that recognition of the atrocities is vital for healing and justice but not the end goal.
The acts of sexual violence included rape and gang rape, most notably at the Nova music festival site. The report also found that some hostages taken to Gaza were subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence during their time in captivity. Two male hostages reported facing forced nudity and physical abuse while naked.
The UN Secretary General António Guterres' annual report from August found reasonable grounds to believe that sexual violence occurred during the October 7 attacks in multiple locations. Elkayam-Levy concludes that the international community will be judged by actions, such as prosecution and creating mechanisms for joint accountability across multiple jurisdictions, including Israel, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and beyond.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is currently focusing on ceasefire talks for the release of all hostages at once. The blacklisting of Hamas is a diplomatic achievement and a direct rebuke to those who denied, minimized, or obscured these atrocities. The call for international action marks a significant shift in Israel's approach to dealing with Hamas, signalling a renewed commitment to holding the militant group accountable for its actions.
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