Civil Commission Report Documents Systematic Sexual Violence in October 7 Hamas Attack

The Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children released a 300-page report, “Sexual Terror Unveiled: The Untold Atrocities of October 7 and Against Hostages in Captivity.” It concludes sexual and gender-based violence was systematic, widespread, and integral to the Hamas assault and subsequent captivity.

Times of Israel

The commission began documenting evidence immediately after the attacks, preserving footage, communications, and testimony. Its archive holds over 10,000 photos and videos (?1,800 hours), 430 testimonies from 52 nationalities, and identifies 13 recurring patterns of sexual abuse across sites.

CNN

The study was chaired by Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Israel Prize laureate. Former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak wrote the foreword. Endorsements include Hillary Clinton, Irwin Cotler, UN genocide-prevention adviser Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and Sierra Leone chief prosecutor David Crane.

Times of Israel

The commission urges a specialized prosecutorial framework for sexual violence, including trained investigators, trauma-informed procedures, and international cooperation. It recommends holding planners, facilitators, and Hamas leadership accountable. Israel’s Knesset passed a law establishing a special tribunal to try October 7 crimes, explicitly covering sexual offenses.

The Jerusalem Post

Dr. Elkayam-Levy said the archive aims to prevent denial or erasure of the crimes. Aharon Barak described it as preserving the factual foundation for legal judgment. UN representative Pramila Patten affirmed “reasonable grounds” to believe conflict-related sexual violence occurred. Hamas denies involvement.

Times of Israel

Critics note media reports of sexual violence were later found inaccurate, fueling claims of politicization. Some observers argue reliance on civilian testimony, rather than state interrogations, may limit evidentiary robustness. Hamas continues to reject the report’s findings.

CNN

The International Criminal Court sought arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders on charges, including rape, but the suspects were killed before warrants could be issued, leaving the cases unresolved. UN investigators could not interview survivors directly, citing security constraints, which some view as a gap in evidentiary record.

The Jerusalem Post

• “For two years, we have listened to survivors, painstakingly examined the evidence, and confronted material that is often beyond comprehension,” — Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Commission Chair

The Jerusalem Post

• “Its function, he said, is “not judicial in the formal sense,” but it preserves the factual foundation on which legal, historical, and moral judgment depends.” — Aharon Barak, Former Supreme Court President

The Jerusalem Post

• “reasonable grounds to believe that conflict related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred.” — Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence

CNN

• “I heard one rape where they were passing her around. She was probably injured, judging by her screams—screams you have never heard anywhere,” — Darin Komarov, eyewitness, Nova Music Festival

CNN

The commission will submit the report to national parliaments and international bodies, seek activation of the special tribunal, and pursue targeted sanctions, asset freezes, and legal aid for survivors. Continued documentation is intended to support prosecutions and preserve victim testimony for the historical record.

The Jerusalem Post