A report issued by The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, a coalition encompassing nine organizations dedicated to aiding survivors of sexual abuse, has laid bare the harrowing scope of sexual violence in the wake of the Hamas-initiated aggression on October 7. The findings reveal a disturbing pattern of sexual assaults, characterized by their systematic execution and widespread occurrence across various locations, including rave venues, kibbutzim, military installations, and amidst the dire circumstances of hostages detained in Gaza.
The inquiry details egregious acts of sexual violence, including violent rape frequently executed under the threat of weaponry, predominantly targeting vulnerable women. Such atrocities were not only committed in isolation but were often perpetrated in the presence of the victims' partners, relatives, or acquaintances, amplifying the trauma and degradation experienced by all who were forced to witness. The brutality extended beyond sexual assault, with reports of attackers gruesomely mutilating sexual and other bodily organs using knives.
⚠️Want to know why Israel cannot and will not stop its war against Hamas? Read about what the monsters did to women on Oct. 7.
— Sia Kordestani (@SiaKordestani) February 21, 2024
The graphic report of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI) includes some of the sickest acts of sexual torture imaginable: pic.twitter.com/5xGHthnUvf
This extensive report, underpinned by survivor testimonies, interactions with emergency medical personnel, and journalistic investigations, including a significant exposé by The New York Times, paints a chilling picture of gender-based violence as a deliberate strategy employed during the October 7 onslaught. Despite the contention surrounding these allegations, with some disputing the sufficiency of forensic evidence typical in wartime sexual violence contexts, the documentation of such crimes, including visual evidence of assault and mutilation, stands as a stark testament to the atrocities committed.
In response to these findings, there has been a vocal outcry within Israel, with advocates for women's rights decrying the skepticism faced by Israeli victims in contrast to the global reception of similar claims. The phrase "Me too, unless you're a Jew!" has become emblematic of protests demanding more decisive action from international bodies like the United Nations, criticized for their perceived lethargy in addressing these violations.
It’s appalling that @AOC will spread toxic lies about pro-Israel Americans but won’t condemn Hamas’ systematic rape of Israeli women.
— AIPAC | Text ISRAEL to 24722 | #StandWithIsrael (@AIPAC) February 22, 2024
Won’t say a word about the victims.
Won’t acknowledge the report.
Won’t demand Hamas surrender.
Why not?
Pure anti-Israel hypocrisy and hate. https://t.co/txHUg1cT6O
Hamas has consistently refuted these accusations, asserting that their ethical and religious principles preclude such conduct, even welcoming international scrutiny into these allegations. However, the call for accountability extends beyond mere denial, with global and local entities urged to confront and act against these heinous crimes.
The report's submission to influential figures within the U.N. by Orit Sulitzeanu, the executive director of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, underscores a pivotal moment. "Silence is no longer an option," asserts Sulitzeanu, pressing for a decisive and transparent international stance against the backdrop of these grave violations. The world now watches as international organizations and leaders grapple with the weight of these findings, seeking justice for the victims and a path forward that ensures such atrocities are never repeated.
