Rising Israeli Accounts of Sexual Violence by Hamas Highlight Remote Justice

Israeli police are investigating allegations of sexual violence committed by Hamas fighters during the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 300 women. However, the investigation faces challenges due to the decomposition of bodies and the burial of victims' clothes before they could be examined. Surviving victims and witnesses have sought help, but many are dead or traumatized. The Israeli justice ministry has accused Hamas of torture, physical abuse, rape, burning alive, and dismemberment, while Hamas denies the allegations and calls for an international investigation. The UN commission of inquiry will probe the allegations, but Israel has criticized the commission and refuses to cooperate. Prosecuting the cases may require a different legal approach, such as shared responsibility, as many victims cannot provide testimony. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over war crimes committed by Palestinians on Israeli territory and may be involved in prosecuting those responsible.