Israel police have initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual violence that occurred during the deadly attack by Hamas gunmen on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip in October. The probe, which is expected to be lengthy and intricate, was announced by Chief Superintendent David Katz of the national unit for serious and organized crime at a press conference held at police headquarters in Beit Shemesh. Katz acknowledged the complexity of the investigation due to the prolonged gun battles between Israeli forces and Hamas militants at the suspected crime scenes. Furthermore, some of the victims have tragically lost their lives, while survivors continue to grapple with the psychological trauma inflicted upon them.
Katz emphasized that the investigation’s complexity is compounded by the significant amount of time that has passed since the crimes were committed. In certain instances, the bodies of victims were left untouched for days before they could be reached. Additionally, the survivors’ ability to articulate the horrors they experienced may be hindered by the psychological trauma they endured.
“We are faced with a much more complicated situation due to the time elapsed since the crimes were committed, with some bodies lying there for days,” explained Katz. “Furthermore, we must consider the immense trauma suffered by the victims.”
Katz also mentioned that the process of survivors sharing their accounts would require time and support to ensure they can properly communicate their ordeal. The investigation has amassed substantial evidence, including eyewitness testimonies, forensic analysis, and statements from other individuals involved.
According to Israeli estimates, approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 240 individuals, including children, were taken hostage when Hamas gunmen infiltrated the border and launched attacks on Israeli towns and villages. In response to these acts of aggression, Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, leading to an extensive offensive involving airstrikes, naval assaults, and ground operations. Medical officials in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip claim that over 11,000 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive, with a significant number of casualties being children. At the time of reporting, no comment had been received from Hamas regarding the investigation.
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