The issue of systemic sexual abuses as part of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is back in the spotlight following new testimonies. Both Israel and Hamas deny the claims.

A two-year investigation by The Civil Commission in Israel, an independent non-governmental group, examined thousands of photographs and videos and interviewed hundreds of witnesses of the October 7, 2023 attacks. It found that Hamas "used sexual and gender-based violence deliberately and systematically as an inherent part of a wider strategy of the attack."

The report, led by Cochav Elkayam-Levy, said it was "guided by internationally recognized methodologies for documenting war crimes and sexual violence." It is endorsed by figures including Hillary Clinton and former Canadian Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler.

According to the report, these acts were committed at the Nova Music Festival, military bases, and in some cases in front of family members. Victims endured brutal acts including burning, mutilation, rape, and insertion of objects into genitals.

A 2024 United Nations report broadly concurred with Israel's allegations. Special representative on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, concluded there were "reasonable grounds to believe that conflict related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred."

Patten's team also raised concerns about "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Palestinians in detention, including various forms of sexual violence." Similar patterns were detailed in a New York Times opinion piece by Nicholas Kristof, based on interviews with Palestinians.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected the claims as "baseless lies" and "blood libel" reflecting an "anti-Israel campaign." Hamas has consistently denied allegations of sexual violence.

Experts note that the true prevalence of sexual violence during the conflict may take months or years to emerge and may never be fully known.

Source: www.dw.com