An independent Israeli investigation has concluded that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups carried out systematic and widespread sexual violence during the 7 October 2023 attacks, describing it as a deliberate strategy to maximize pain and suffering. The 300-page report draws on hundreds of survivor and witness interviews, thousands of photographs and videos, and material collected from attack sites, making it the most comprehensive account published to date.

According to the findings, acts of rape, gang rape, sexual torture and genital mutilation occurred at multiple locations, including the Nova music festival, kibbutzim and military bases. The report also documents sexual abuse of hostages held in captivity, affecting both women and men. Investigators describe recurring patterns, including assaults carried out in front of others and violence targeting family members.

Hamas has denied that sexual violence took place. However, a previous investigation by the United Nations found reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred. The Israeli commission states that the documented acts may constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal acts under international law, and says the evidence has been preserved for potential future prosecutions while aiming to ensure the victims' suffering is not denied or forgotten.