Content Warning: This article contains disturbing graphic content and descriptions of sexual violence

TEL AVIV – A leading charity for rape victims in Israel says at least “dozens” of people were sexually abused by Hamas militants during and after the Oct. 7 attack.

Orit Sulitzeanu, CEO of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI), added that more evidence of Hamas sexual violence was emerging.

She said her association began hearing “messages about sexual violence” shortly after the Oct. 7 massacre, which has since become a flood.

“Everyone couldn’t believe it at first because despite the terrorism, we didn’t believe this could happen.”

But she added that reports were starting to come in from health workers and therapists who had seen survivors.

Researchers at the charity say they have now heard first-hand evidence from survivors that they were sexually abused by the attackers on October 7, and I spoke to volunteers who saw the bodies after the attack, investigators and Israeli officials who support this account.

There was considerable outrage in Israel, especially among survivors, when some international media downplayed or disputed reports of the October 7 rape.

Ms Sulitsenou added that given what is known so far, “I think there are dozens of people who have been sexually abused in various ways”.

Last week, Pramila Patten, the United Nations special envoy on sexual violence in conflict, said: “Clear and convincing message” Rape and sexual torture by Hamas, and there are “reasonable grounds” to believe such abuses “continue”.

On Monday, she told the U.N. Security Council that it increased the “moral imperative” for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

ARCCI provided Ms Patten with the evidence gathered.It also publishes a Report documenting evidence of sex crimes by Hamas.

Noga Berger, one of the authors of the ARCCI report, said she believed the U.N. report was released too soon. “In a year’s time, there will be more evidence and more information about what happened,” she said.

ARCCI said some information was withheld due to privacy concerns.

Ms. Sulitsenou said it was typical for testimonies and evidence of sexual violence in conflict to emerge slowly because of the shame and humiliation felt by the victims.

Nonetheless, ARCCI Report It claimed there was clear evidence that terrorists sexually abused men as well as women and girls and that in most cases, “the victims were murdered after or even during the rape.”

Ms. Berger said the rapes occurred on kibbutzim, at the Reim festival and at occupied IDF bases. “We’re seeing a pattern of violence,” she said.

Carmit Klar-Chalamish, another author of the report, said: “There were a lot of gang rapes and rapes in front of family members. It was very cruel and sadistic. of.”

Survivors have reported sexual assaults on festival stages, including alleged “group rapes.” The testimonies matched descriptions of first responders and personnel who disposed of bodies at IDF bases and kibbutzim. Hostages released from Gaza have also reported sexual abuse by Hamas.

ARCCI researchers, who consulted with war crimes investigators in Ukraine and the former Yugoslavia, said there was strong evidence of systemic sexual violence similar to that seen in other conflicts.

Ms. Sulicianu acknowledged that the controversy over the sexual violence allegations may have been caused in part by some early reports that were later exposedand the Hamas video that did not show sexual assault.

The terrorist organization happily releases videos of its murder and torture of Israelis. But some observers believe rape may be considered “illegal” and frowned upon even by the brutal Islamist group.

“We heard: ‘It’s illegal, so it didn’t happen,’” Ms. Sulitsenou said. “I hope that’s true.”

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated, muslim ramadan And said: “Let me take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers: Ramadan [blessed Ramadan].

“Hamas does not speak on behalf of the Muslim world and we ask you to condemn the crimes of sexual violence committed by these barbarians in the name of the Muslim religion.”

Patten stressed that evidence of Hamas sexual crimes “does not in any way legitimize further hostilities”.

She added: “Continuing hostilities will not protect them in any way,” she said. “This only puts them at further risk of violence, including sexual violence.”