Reports of mass rape and sexual violence are based on numerous sources, including testimony from survivors of the Nova music festival and elsewhere who saw women raped before being killed or taken hostage, testimony from first responders, the mountain of forensic evidence consistent with torture and rape, and, of course, footage filmed by Hamas themselves. 

Naturally, there are no first-hand accounts at this stage as some of the rape survivors are too traumatised and under psychiatric supervision and need to be heavily protected; there are others who have not yet spoken publicly for fear of being identified. Many are believed to have been killed or captured by their rapists and remain hostages in Gaza.

• A New York Times investigation uncovered new details showing a pattern of rape, mutilation and extreme brutality against women in the attacks on Israel.

• The Guardian reported that multiple corroborating pieces of evidence exist pointing to the systematic use of rape and sexual violence by Hamas in attacks.

• Verified video footage from witnesses was aired on CNN during Jake Tapper’s report on the sexual violence committed by Hamas in the attacks.

• Sheri Mendes testified in a podcast about what the women prepping bodies of women victims saw.

• As Israel's war with Hamas progresses, new false assertions about Israel’s behavior and the war’s progress arise. Here are four big recent myths and facts about what is truly going on.