Denial of October 7 Sexual Crimes Harms Victims and Global Fight Against Violence

November 16, 2025

The Civil Commission issues a strong response to recent statements by UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, emphasizing that the sexual atrocities committed on October 7 are among the most extensively documented in history. The Commission warns that denying these crimes deeply harms victims, distorts historical truth, and undermines global efforts to combat violence against women.

The Commission documents the atrocities of October 7 and the abuses that continued throughout captivity in its historical war-crimes archive. This includes cases of sexual torture and extreme forms of violence against women. The Commission expresses its deep shock at the statements of Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences. Alsalem denied that acts of sexual violence were committed during the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.

Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, head of the Commission and Israel Prize laureate, said:

“Hamas' crimes on October 7th are among the most extensively documented in recent history. Many videos released by Hamas itself depict extreme forms of sexual and gender based violence. Shani Louk’s body was filmed being brutally dragged while surrounded by armed Palestinian men as the crowd cheered, alongside many other shocking cases. Official reports, including those of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, have already exposed the cruelty of the sexual atrocities of October 7.”

She added: “This is a tragic moment in history, particularly given the sexualized attacks of 7 October that we document every single day. I speak on behalf of many when I say: this is shameful. Denying these women their dignity, women who were murdered, assaulted, or taken hostage, inflicts further harm, erases their experiences, and undermines global efforts to combat violence against women. When such denial comes from a mandate-holder entrusted with protecting women, it weakens us all. It harms women everywhere, and discourages victims and survivors from coming forward. Sadly, it signals to perpetrators worldwide that sexual violence can continue with impunity.”

The Commission will continue to work to uncover the truth, preserve historical documentation, and protect the rights and dignity of victims.