New Delhi, May 14 -- A report by the "Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children" has alleged that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) was used "deliberately and systematically" during the October 7 attacks and subsequent hostage captivity.

The report claims that abuse occurred in residential homes, public roads, military bases, and at the Nova music festival site and surrounding areas.

Based on a two-year investigation drawing on survivor testimonies, video footage, photographs, and expert analysis, the Commission concludes that the violence was "patterned, multisite, and organized".

The findings describe extreme acts of violence, including alleged rape, gang rape, mutilation, burning, forced restra...