By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Dinah Project, an all-women group of Israeli legal and gender experts, asserts in a new report that Hamas employed sexual violence as a deliberate component of its genocidal strategy during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. This conclusion is drawn from evidence including survivor testimonies and accounts from former hostages, detailing instances of attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexualized torture. The report aims to establish a legal framework for prosecuting these crimes, even where direct perpetrator identification is challenging, and comes amid previous findings by a UN mission indicating conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the attacks. The findings reflect a coordinated strategy to terrorize and dehumanize Israeli society.
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Hamas used sexual violence as part of a ‘genocidal strategy’. It appears there’s a deeply disturbing reality to confront: evidence suggests that Hamas used sexual violence as a tactic during the October 7th attacks, potentially as part of a broader, genocidal strategy. This isn’t just about individual acts of violence; it’s about how these acts were possibly implemented as a weapon of war. The very nature of this tactic, if proven, underscores the utter disregard for human life and dignity.
Rape is never excusable. There’s no context, no justification, that can make sexual violence acceptable. It’s a crime against humanity, and those who perpetrate it should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. To even attempt to excuse or minimize the use of rape as a weapon is abhorrent. It’s a testament to how low an organization has sunk when it resorts to such tactics.
Numerous reports confirm this atrocity, despite some skepticism. Some were even recorded on live streams. It’s crucial to confront the reality of what happened, no matter how difficult or painful it may be. The evidence, if credible, demands a full and impartial investigation, with the goal of seeking justice for the victims and holding the perpetrators accountable.
The resistance against accepting this information is troubling. Unfortunately, it’s a pattern we often see in complex conflicts. Some people find it easier to deny uncomfortable truths, particularly when it involves their own beliefs or the perceived “side” they support. This denial, however, is a disservice to the victims and hinders efforts to understand and address the root causes of the conflict.
The binary view of conflict clouds judgment. Acknowledging that one side committed horrific acts doesn’t automatically excuse the actions of the other side. Both sides can be wrong, both can be guilty of atrocities, and both can be responsible for the suffering of innocent people. The path toward peace requires a more nuanced and honest understanding of the situation.
It is essential to separate the actions of Hamas from the broader Palestinian population. Attributing the actions of a terrorist group to an entire people is not only unfair but also dangerous. It fuels prejudice and makes it even harder to find a peaceful resolution. The vast majority of people, regardless of their nationality, want to live in peace and security.
Criticizing Hamas does not automatically equate to supporting the Israeli government. It’s important to hold all parties accountable for their actions. Both Hamas and the Israeli government have been accused of war crimes and human rights violations, and both should be held to the same standards. It’s essential to be critical of all actors involved in the conflict.
The BBC, and any other news outlet, must report all of these stories. It is surprising that this reporting is coming out now but is very welcomed to finally see the story being told by a credible news source. They should continue to bring attention to these issues. Without reliable sources, it becomes even more difficult to have an informed debate.
The evidence suggests that these horrific crimes were part of a broader strategy. The details of these attacks, if confirmed, paint a grim picture. The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war is a deliberate and calculated tactic. The perpetrators knew exactly what they were doing and what impact it would have on their victims.
Everyone who supports Hamas should be prosecuted. No matter how small their contribution to the cause is. They are complicit in these atrocities. Accountability is crucial for justice. Those who fund, support, or enable Hamas in any way should face the consequences of their actions. This includes both individuals and organizations.
War sucks. It is a tragedy. It leads to all sorts of terrible things that nobody should have to endure. This is what we are seeing on both sides. Regardless of the cause, there are rarely any heroes.