Shocking images on social media have brought to light the extreme violence suffered by civilians, particularly women, in the October 7 attacks in Israel. Perpetrated by Hamas fighters, these brutal acts, including rape, beheading, and public humiliation, are seen as a strategic “tactic to weaken the adversary,” as explained by Maud Quessard, Director of Research at Inserm.
Crimes directed at women: a stark reality
Public figures such as Charlotte Gainsbourg, Isabelle Carré, and Marek Halter emphasize that the crimes committed on that fateful day were specifically directed against women. The victims were not only killed, but subjected to horrific acts including rape, decapitation, and dismemberment. Recognizing these atrocities, an article in Libération names the victims, and Paroles de femmes association calls for acknowledgment of mass feminicide.
Definition of feminicide: terror and humiliation
The violence inflicted aligns with the definition of feminicide – the murder of women because of their sex. Women were subjected to dehumanizing acts, with Maud Quessard noting, “In any conflict, you enslave your adversary by humiliating him and showing him that you own his wife.” The acts were filmed and photographed to instill terror, with explicit statements during interrogations revealing the intent to degrade and defile.
Women on the frontline: fear and targeting
Amidst the horrors, Ilana, a 23-year-old French-Israeli woman, shares her experience as part of the army. Women are kept away from the front lines due to the fear of becoming targets for kidnapping, rape, or forced pregnancy. The brutal footage circulating on social media exposes the depth of Hamas’s barbarity and the extreme lengths to which they are willing to go.
The petition for recognition of mass feminicide seeks to bring attention to these heinous acts and the urgent need for acknowledgment and condemnation.