A year after Hamas’ October 7 attack and the ensuing war, no official state inquiry has been established. As a result, Israel’s security bodies have yet to address policy failures before the attack, the lack of response, or the inadequate handling of its consequences. Security lapses enabled extreme violence, including sexual violence against civilians and soldiers, both women and men.
Despite the time elapsed, no official report, database, or governmental plan exists to document the sexual violence, support survivors, or ensure justice. Investigations and judicial processes remain undisclosed. In response to this governmental inaction, the Israel Women’s Network and the Women’s War Research and Documentation Collective have compiled extensive data on the state’s preparedness, response, and handling of sexual violence during conflict and captivity.
This report exposes the state’s inadequate response since the attack and highlights ongoing failures, even as hostages remain in Hamas captivity, subjected to severe violence, including sexual assault.
