As time goes on, a fuller picture of what transpired during Hamas’
October 7, 2023, assault on the communities of the Gaza Envelope is
beginning to emerge. It is becoming more apparent that the violence
perpetrated against women, men, and children also included
widespread sexual and gender-based crimes. While the full scale of the assault is yet to be uncovered, we consider
it essential to present the information currently known to us. We have
chosen to do so for several reasons. First and foremost, to encourage the
reporting and documentation of these severe violations of international
humanitarian law and fundamental moral principles, to advocate for
international condemnation and sanctions against the perpetrators,
and to prevent their recurrence. Secondly, to support the survivors and
those who will hopefully still survive. Social and institutional recognition
of the experiences of survivors is crucial to their capacity to describe
what they endured. We hope that providing such recognition also
promotes the allocation of social, professional, and financial resources
to facilitate the conditions for their healing. Lastly, the publication
of this position paper aims to bring attention to the urgent need to
release the hostages still being held in Gaza. Those among them who
endured or witnessed sexual and gender-based crimes face a higher
risk of experiencing further violence and neglect while being denied
vital physical and mental medical care. The increased danger to their
well-being compels us to utilize all available means to promote their
release from captivity and safe return.