New witnesses report widespread sexual violence on October 7

Formerly undisclosed testimonies have shed light on the harrowing events that transpired on October 7, unveiling a grim picture of sexual violence and brutality inflicted by Hamas militants upon Israeli victims. The tragic aftermath of the attack at the Nova music festival on October 12, 2023, revealed a scene of horror and devastation, with bodies of young women discovered stripped, tied to trees, and subjected to gruesome acts of violence. According to a recently released report drawing from previously untold accounts, sexual violence was shockingly pervasive and calculated during the assault, with rape and gang rape occurring at multiple locations.

Accounts from 15 released hostages from Gaza, one of whom has previously shared their story, alongside a survivor from the Nova music festival and testimonies from witnesses and therapists, provide a chilling narrative of the atrocities committed by Hamas militants. The Dinah Project’s forthcoming report, funded in part by the British government and compiled by Israeli gender and legal experts, aims to challenge the silence and misinformation surrounding the issue of sexual violence in the wake of the attacks and to establish a truthful historical record.

The report highlights disturbing patterns of sexual violence, such as victims found in varying states of undress, bound and often executed after enduring gang rapes and genital mutilation. The attacks unfolded at multiple locations including the Nova festival, Route 232, a military base at Nahal Oz, and kibbutzim Re’im, Nir Oz, and Kfar Aza. Hostages recounted continued instances of sexual violence while in captivity, including forced nudity, physical and verbal harassment, assaults, and threats of forced marriage.

Initiated by Professor Ruth Halperin-Kaddari and her team of experts, the Dinah Project seeks to amplify the voices of victims and survivors, countering the denial and silence that often shrouds such heinous acts. Frustration over the inadequate response from international bodies and the politicization of the issue spurred the project’s creation. Halperin-Kaddari, a seasoned advocate for victims of sexual violence globally, expressed disappointment at the lack of solidarity shown towards the victims of the attacks.

Named after Dinah, the first rape victim in biblical and Torah accounts, the project aspires to be a voice for those who have been silenced by horrific acts of sexual violence. Drawing on new evidence and firsthand testimonies, the Dinah Project sheds light on the extent of the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas militants, revealing the disturbing reality faced by the victims. The report emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and seeking justice for the survivors, whose traumatic experiences have often been overlooked or denied.

In a world where survivors of sexual violence are often disbelieved or their testimonies dismissed, the Dinah Project stands as a beacon of hope, striving to bring justice and recognition to those who have suffered unspeakable horrors. As the report prepares to be unveiled, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and confront the scourge of sexual violence in conflict zones, and to stand in solidarity with those who have endured unimaginable suffering.