Hamas reportedly tortured and executed its own members accused of engaging in gay relations, with new documents revealing that some of these members were also involved in the rape of Israeli hostages during the 7 October 2023 attacks, as per The New York Post. Secret documents recovered by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and shared with The Post show that Hamas maintained a record of recruits who allegedly failed its “morality checks” due to same-sex relations. These recruits faced severe punishment, including torture and execution. Some were also involved in the rape of male Israeli hostages during and after the attack. Sexual violence against Israeli hostages Reports from survivors and officials indicate that Hamas fighters raped Israeli men during the attacks and while they were held captive. A source close to the Israeli Knesset told The Post that Hamas avoided publicising these acts, as such conduct is considered deeply shameful under their religious beliefs. “That is deeply against their religion. This would bring [Hamas] much shame,” the source said, adding, “They would not want to acknowledge these actions as they go against everything their ideology stands for.” Another source noted that these actions were suppressed in the terror group’s propaganda, with Hamas preferring to highlight the attack's military aspects rather than the sexual violence that occurred. “They want to present themselves as religiously pure, so reports of rape are kept quiet,” the source said. Persecution within Hamas' ranks The IDF documents detail allegations against 94 Hamas recruits between 2012 and 2019, which include “homosexual conversations,” “flirting with girls without a legal relationship,” and “sodomy,” alongside more serious charges, such as child abuse and torture. These “crimes” were reportedly lumped together, with the recruits considered “unacceptable” for continuing their roles within the terror group. In one case, former Hamas commander Mahmoud Ishtiwi was executed in 2016 after being accused of engaging in gay sex. The documents reveal that Ishtiwi was tortured for nearly a year before being executed, with religious leaders describing his actions as “more heinous than adultery” and calling for his punishment by stoning. Eve Harow, director of education at One Israel Fund, said the reports highlight Hamas’ brutal nature, even towards its own members. “Even within their own society, those who do not conform to Hamas’ extremist ideology—whether women, journalists, activists, or minority groups—face persecution, imprisonment, or even execution,” she said. “Their leadership thrives on destruction, sacrificing their own people while blaming the world for the consequences of their brutality,” she added. (With inputs from The New York Post)
