A new document published by CNN and compiled by the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children reveals a long list of atrocities committed by the terrorist organization's members, some of which had not previously been made public.
The report presents the most comprehensive body of evidence to date of sexual and gender-based violence against women, men and children, which it describes as "systematic, widespread and an integral part" of the attack.
The report includes firsthand testimonies from more than 10 survivors who suffered extreme sexual violence and sexual abuse during the massacre, their abduction or while being held captive in Gaza. Some of them, including former hostages Romi Gonen, Rom Braslavski, Arbel Yehud, Amit Soussana, Ilana Gritzewsky and others, have spoken publicly about the traumatic experiences they endured. Other victims shared their experiences only confidentially with experts, investigators and medical staff.
But the report also includes previously unknown allegations, including the case of two minors who, while being held hostage in Gaza, say they were sexually abused and forced by their captors to perform sexual acts on one another.
Some of these details emerged only after the publication of earlier reports, including after hostages were released from Gaza. Some came from testimonies given directly to investigators, while others were gathered in numerous meetings with medical experts, attorneys representing some of the victims and others.
