By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A new analysis by the Israeli non-profit Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children documents widespread and systemic sexual and gender-based violence as a deliberate tactic during the October 7, 2023, attack. Investigators uncovered 13 patterns of sexual violence, including rape, sexual torture, and mutilation, noting that perpetrators weaponized digital content from these acts. The report, based on over 430 interviews and extensive open-source investigation, asserts that these actions constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, providing a roadmap for prosecution.
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The recent report detailing Hamas’s use of sexual violence as a deliberate tactic during the October 7th attacks has brought a horrific reality to the forefront, though for many, it confirms what was already apparent. The nature of terrorism itself suggests that acts of extreme brutality, including sexual violence, are often intended to inflict maximum terror and psychological damage on a population. It’s difficult to conceive of sexual violence occurring as an accidental byproduct of conflict; it is inherently a violent act, and when employed in warfare, it tragically points towards deliberate intent.
For those who have followed the events surrounding October 7th closely, particularly those who have witnessed the available visual evidence, this report may not offer new information. The sheer horror contained within the footage, depicting acts of extreme violence, led many to an understanding of the perpetrators’ depravity. This truth, however, seems not to have penetrated the defenses of those who have actively denied or downplayed these atrocities for an extended period. The existence of such evidence, and the consistent reporting of these acts, makes the continued denial particularly perplexing and disheartening.
The question of whether sexual violence is inherently wrong, and that its occurrence anywhere is deplorable, seems like a fundamental point of agreement that should be universally accepted. The fact that this needs to be stated, and that such a simple poll of “yes” or “no” on the acceptance of this truth would even be necessary, speaks volumes about the current polarized climate. The responses to the news of the report often reflect a pre-existing divide, with many expressing that this information is not surprising and that those who continue to support the perpetrators, despite such evidence, are living in a distorted reality.
It’s truly baffling to consider that there are individuals who, after acknowledging these acts, still maintain their support for groups engaged in such barbarity. This disconnect between observable facts and continued allegiance is difficult to comprehend. For many, the information presented in the report is not a revelation but a confirmation of what was already known, leaving them to wonder why this isn’t a universally accepted truth. The notion that Hamas, an organization engaging in such tactics, could still garner support highlights a profound and concerning disconnect.
The assertion that this is not “news” for many stems from the direct observation of undeniable evidence. The horrifying videos and testimonies available, even without a formal report, painted a clear picture of the atrocities committed. The fact that some continue to deny this reality, despite the abundance of proof, is a significant part of the tragedy. The common understanding among many is that Hamas, as a designated terrorist organization, is expected to engage in terrorist acts, and sexual violence is unfortunately a tool they have employed.
The discourse surrounding these events often reveals a deeply ingrained pattern of defense and deflection. When confronted with evidence of Hamas’s brutality, the immediate response for some is to pivot to accusations against Israeli forces, suggesting a symmetrical application of blame or a deliberate attempt to diminish the severity of Hamas’s actions. This approach, where one horrific act is countered with another, real or alleged, ultimately dilutes the condemnation of the original transgression and creates a perpetual cycle of recrimination rather than a clear denunciation of all forms of violence.
The debate often becomes entangled in a complex web of accusations and counter-accusations, where the objective reality of specific atrocities can be obscured. The need for such a report, even when the evidence seems overwhelming to many, underscores the challenge of achieving a shared understanding of critical events in a highly politicized environment. The graphic nature of Hamas’s documented crimes is so extreme that it can lead to its outright dismissal or categorization as mere propaganda by those unwilling to confront it.
The discussion also brings to light the disturbing observation that sexual violence, sadly, is not a new tactic in warfare. Its use as a tool to terrorize and subjugate populations has a long and grim history. Therefore, its application by Hamas, while appalling, might not be considered an innovative strategy but rather a continuation of abhorrent practices employed by various groups throughout history. The “screams without words” reports and similar documentation have long highlighted the horrific realities of conflict, and the October 7th attacks unfortunately fit this grim pattern.
Furthermore, the conversation frequently circles back to the question of whether other actors in the conflict also engage in similar behaviors. While it is crucial to hold all parties accountable for their actions, the focus of the report and the immediate discussion is on Hamas’s deliberate use of sexual violence. The comparison to the actions of the IDF or Israeli forces, while a part of the broader geopolitical debate, can sometimes serve as a distraction from the specific and documented evidence of Hamas’s crimes, which is the subject of the report.
The existence of organizations dedicated to documenting these specific crimes, such as the Civil Commission mentioned, indicates a focused effort to bring these particular atrocities to light. However, the perceived bias or funding sources of such organizations can also become points of contention, further complicating the pursuit of objective truth. Despite these complexities, the overwhelming evidence presented by various sources points to a pattern of deliberate sexual violence employed by Hamas.
The notion that this information is somehow being presented as “new” by Israel as a public relations tactic is a cynical interpretation that dismisses the genuine horror of the events themselves. For many, the acknowledgment that Hamas are terrorists is not in question; the debate lies in how these truths are presented, by whom, and what their implications are for broader political narratives. The idea that people are incapable of acknowledging Hamas’s terrorism while simultaneously questioning Israel’s actions is a false dichotomy that prevents nuanced understanding.
Ultimately, the report serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of conflict and the depths of depravity to which individuals and groups can sink. The widespread knowledge of Hamas’s actions, even before the formal report, highlights a critical failure in communication or a willful ignorance among those who continue to deny or downplay these undeniable acts of barbarism. The inclusion of sexual violence as a deliberate tactic is a particularly heinous aspect of these attacks, and its confirmation through this report offers little solace, only further condemnation.