Sexual violence during the October 7 massacre was both widespread and systematic, according to a newly released report featuring previously unheard testimonies. The findings detail instances of rape and gang rape at no fewer than six separate locations.
New Report Exposes Systematic Sexual Violence by Hamas on October 7
A forthcoming report by the Dinah Project, an organization dedicated to documenting sexual violence in conflict, reveals a systematic and deliberate use of sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
Citing over 20 firsthand accounts—including survivors of captivity and a victim from the Nova Festival—the report uncovers rape, gang rape, and genital mutilation at six distinct locations: the Nova Festival, Route 232, Nahal Oz military base, and the kibbutzim of Re’im, Nir Oz, and Kfar Azza. Victims were often found partially or fully naked, bound, and, in many cases, executed after being assaulted.
The report, previewed in The Sunday Times, also documents continued abuse in captivity, including forced nudity, sexual harassment, assault, and threats of forced marriage.
The findings present a chilling picture of sexual violence as an intentional weapon of war.
Dinah Project Report Reveals Coordinated Sexual Violence by Hamas on October 7
A groundbreaking report from the Dinah Project presents harrowing new evidence of systematic sexual violence committed by Hamas during and after the October 7 attacks. Based on firsthand testimonies, forensic analysis, and eyewitness accounts, the report underscores that sexual brutality was not incidental—but premeditated and widespread.
Researchers interviewed 15 former hostages who suffered sexual violence in captivity—only one, Amit Susanna, has spoken publicly. They also gathered testimony from 17 civilians who witnessed the atrocities, including two brothers who hid in nearby brush and Tali Biner, who survived by hiding in a container. These testimonies described 15 incidents of rape and gang rape.
Additionally, 27 emergency responders shared evidence of dozens more cases. Their accounts, alongside forensic analysis of video and photo evidence, pointed to a clear pattern: women found dead, naked, and mutilated—shot in the genitals, tied to trees, often gang raped before execution.
“This could not have been random,” said researcher Halperin-Kadri. “The recurrence of these acts across multiple locations—Re’im, Nir Oz, Kfar Azza, Route 232, the Nova Festival, and Nahal Oz—shows clear premeditation. Some terrorists even attempted to rape victims who had already been shot.”
Judge (ret.) Nava Ben-Or, who took part in the project, added:
“Sexual violence in conflict is a weapon meant to destroy and dehumanize entire communities. The notion that a perpetrator can claim to support killing while opposing rape is morally bankrupt. Responsibility lies with everyone who took part in these attacks.”
The report calls on the global community to recognize these acts not just as isolated war crimes, but as evidence of coordinated crimes against humanity.
