Independent report accuses Hamas of systematic sexual violence in October 7 attacks
An independent commission has found that Hamas and allied militants committed what it described as "systematic, widespread" sexual violence during the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
The findings also say the abuse extended to hostages taken back to Gaza.
The report was published as Israel's Knesset passed a law creating a special military tribunal for Palestinian militants accused of taking part in the October 7 attacks.
Under the new law, the death penalty could be imposed.
The commission's conclusions add to the legal and political fallout from the attacks, which remain central to Israel's response to the war with Hamas.
The tribunal law suggests Israeli lawmakers are moving to create a separate judicial route for cases linked to the assault.
The report does not give further detail in the supplied material about the commission's membership, methodology or the number of alleged victims.
It also does not say when the tribunal will begin operating or which cases will be brought first.
The October 7 attacks triggered the current war and led to the taking of hostages into Gaza, making allegations of sexual violence and the handling of detainees a continuing issue in the conflict.
