The October 7 terror attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas included systematic sexual violence involving the rape and mutilation of women, a report released on Wednesday showed.

“The sexual assaults and rapes were committed by multiple participants and included sadistic practices characterised by brutal, demonstrative features,” according to the report published by the Israeli Association of Rape Crisis Centres (ARCCI).

It said most victims were murdered during or after the rape. Women in particular, but also children and men, were victims of sexual violence.

“The report, submitted to decision-makers at the UN, leaves no room for denial or disregard,” said Orit Sulitzeanu, chief executive of the Association of Rape Crisis Centres in Israel, in a statement.

“The terrorist organisation Hamas chose to harm Israel strategically in two clear ways by kidnapping citizens and committing sadistic sexual crimes.

“Silence is no longer an option. We expect international organisations to take a clear stance,” Mr Sulitzeanu said.

The sexual assaults had mainly taken place at the Nova music festival in Reim, in the towns attacked and in military bases on the edge of the Gaza Strip, and in the captivity of hostages.

“In some cases, rape was conducted in front of an audience, such as partners, family, or friends, to increase the pain and humiliation for all present,” the report said.

“Many of the victims’ bodies were found mutilated and bound, with sexual organs brutally attacked, and in some cases weapons inserted,” the report said.

In some of the bodies, booby traps were hidden in it. 

(dpa/NAN)