Jerusalem, Israel – In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, CyberWell, a non-governmental organization, released a report detailing the alarming prevalence of online denial surrounding the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7. Despite overwhelming evidence presented by the NGO, extremist groups online are actively spreading a narrative of denial, seeking to distort historical facts and shift focus away from the victims towards the perpetrators. The deliberate use of sexual violence and rape as tools of torture and terror by Hamas is a grave violation of human rights, according to CyberWell.
The report by CyberWell identified five distinct narratives used to deny the occurrence of sexual violence on October 7 when Hamas carried out a deadly attack, resulting in numerous casualties and kidnappings. One such narrative claims that no survivors have come forward to tell their stories, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Testimonies from individuals like Amit Soussana, a released Gaza hostage, recount the horrific acts of sexual violence and abuse endured during captivity at the hands of Hamas.
Another narrative circulating online purports that witnesses to the atrocities are lying to spread false information. However, concrete evidence, including confessions from Hamas terrorists themselves, contradicts this claim. The Israeli Defense Forces released a video showing a captured terrorist admitting to his heinous acts of rape, further debunking the narrative of falsehoods.
Accusations that Israel has manufactured claims of sexual violence by Hamas for political gain have also surfaced, along with attempts to discredit the notion that Hamas members would perpetrate such crimes due to religious beliefs. CyberWell emphasizes that denial of the events of October 7 only serves to perpetuate rape culture and infringe upon the rights of women globally.
The report also highlights the role of mainstream social media platforms in allowing the spread of rape denial content, despite efforts to report and remove such posts. CyberWell urges these platforms to take a stronger stance against content that denies sexual assault and promotes violence, emphasizing the need for more effective moderation policies.
As the world observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is crucial to address the systemic issue of sexual violence as a tool of war and ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and respected. The ongoing denial of the atrocities committed by Hamas only serves to perpetuate trauma and disempowerment, further necessitating a collective effort to combat rape culture and support survivors of sexual violence.