Israeli police have revealed that Hamas terrorists are engaged in systemic rape and other forms of extreme sexual violence as part of their terror campaign.
According to reports, Palestinian victims of the Hamas terror group’s systematic sexual violence have been left traumatized not only by the physical abuse but also from the subsequent social stigma that surrounds victims of rape and sexual abuse in Palestinian society.
This alarming revelation was the result of a four-month investigation by Israeli police, which had been gathering evidence from victims and other witnesses. Police have documented over 30 cases of rape and other forms of extreme sexual violence inflicted by Hamas members.
In a statement released by the Israeli police, they noted that the victims were subjected to extreme physical and psychological pressure, which included threats to their families, or to themselves, if they were to reveal the horrifying secret. In some cases, victims were forced to engage in sexual activities against their will to participate in terror activities like suicide bombings.
Hamas members were also known to seek especially vulnerable victims, such as teenage girls and women who had experienced past sexual abuse or trauma. By targeting such victims with rape and sexual violence, terrorists would shatter the existing social taboos and further oppress the victims, and those close to them, into silence.
Israeli police are offering counselling and therapy services to the victims of these horrifying acts and are also providing legal aid and other support. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, promised to contribute funds and resources to ensure appropriate aftercare for the victims.
The heinous acts of systemic extreme sexual violence committed by terrorists of the Hamas group illustrates the severity of human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It is a reprehensible display of terror inflicted upon innocent Palestinians and a clear violation of basic human rights.
Israel has stated it will use all the necessary means to put the perpetrators to justice, and to pressure the Hamas organization to cease its violent campaigns of terror. It is hoped that in knowledge of these criminal activities, international organizations can help protect the victims and put a stop to this horrific trend of torture and abuse.