Key Findings from AP Investigation into Origins of Two Discredited Sexual Violence Accounts on October 7th

The aftermath of the Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel by Hamas militants has left a trail of controversy and confusion. The United Nations and other organizations have presented credible evidence of sexual assault during the attack, but conflicting accounts have muddied the waters.

Two debunked testimonies from volunteers with the Israeli search and rescue organization ZAKA played a significant role in fueling the global clash over whether sexual violence occurred during the assault. The volunteers, Chaim Otmazgin and Yossi Landau, provided accounts that later turned out to be unfounded, leading to a highly charged debate about the events of that day.

Despite the false narratives, there is mounting evidence to suggest that sexual assault did take place during the attack. A U.N. fact-finding team found “reasonable grounds” to believe that some militants committed sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. However, the scope of these crimes remains difficult to ascertain due to a lack of forensic evidence and survivor testimony.

The chaos and confusion that followed the assault contributed to the spread of misinformation, with easy access to volunteers like those from ZAKA helping to perpetuate false accounts. The global scrutiny of the events of Oct. 7 has also hindered the investigation into sexual violence, potentially deterring survivors from coming forward.

As the debate continues to unfold on social media and in protests, the need for accurate information and thorough investigation is more crucial than ever. The conflicting narratives highlight the challenges of reporting on sensitive and complex issues in the midst of conflict.