At least 10 of the Israeli civilians released by Hamas, both men and women, were sexually assaulted or abused while in captivity, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
In a report detailing allegations of severe and widespread sexual abuse by Hamas terrorists during their October 7 onslaught and later against hostages, a doctor who treated some of the 110 hostages released from captivity told the AP that at least 10 men and women among those freed were sexually assaulted or abused.
Original AP article that reports this where it’s buried in the last section right before the end of the article.
I obviously don’t think Israelis in Hamas’s care get better treatment than Palestinians get in Israel’s care. There’s new atrocities and victim testimony reported daily. It just seems like this whole thing is a horror show and to condemn it all is the only reasonable response.
During the prisoner exchange, it was reported that Palestinians can be held for 6 months in Israeli prisons and then, if they’re tried, face a military court with a 97% conviction rate. It’s not as horrible as grabbing people off kibbutzim but it’s not something to brag about. It’s easy to end up disgusted by it all and respond emotionally to anyone who takes a firm side.
I’ve been personally just trying to be on team civilian and find a way to have empathy for everyone not fighting. It’s natural to pick a side but war usually just brings out the worst in people at the worst possible time.