Hamas' use of sexual violence is an all-too-common part of modern war – but not in all conflicts
The ConversationNov 30, 2023
NYT: Israeli Hostage Says She Was Sexually Assaulted and Tortured in Gaza
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The Facts
Earlier this week, the New York Times released a report detailing freed Israeli hostage Amit Soussana's account of facing sexual assault and torture at the hands of her Hamas captors, the first such account since Oct. 7. Soussana, a lawyer from Kibbutz Kafr Azza, described being violently kidnapped from her home, held hostage in Gaza, and the sexual violence she experienced.
She said that, while being held in Gaza, her captor repeatedly asked her about her period, before eventually forcing her at gunpoint to commit sexual acts on him. She also described being beaten on multiple occasions, leading to injuries that have been treated by Israeli doctors.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
After months of denial, the truth about Hamas' horrific sexual crimes continues to be revealed. Amit Soussana's strength and courage is truly remarkable, as she has been forced to victimize herself a second time so that the world understands the righteousness of Israel's existential struggle against terror. Israel simply wants to exist in peace, but this can never be achieved as long Palestinian terrorists bent on destroying the nation continue to torment its citizens. Israel has no choice but to continue its valiant fight in this war that it never wanted.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Any acts of sexual violence committed by individual fighters are reprehensible and must be condemned. However, no act of violence justifies Israel's devastating reaction. Israel has created a man-made famine in Gaza, and the situation has gotten to a point in which Palestinians can barely survive. Massacring Palestinians will never bring back those killed and brutalized on Oct. 7, and the only positive way to resolve this situation is a comprehensive political agreement that ends the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
