A reservist who dealt with the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack says there was “systematic genital mutilation” of women with many victims being shot in the perineum, breasts and head.
WARNING – Contains graphic details of injuries
Shari Mendez was part of an Israeli army reserve unit whose role was to identify female soldiers and prepare them for burial.
I told Sky Yalda Hakim She was at the Shura base on October 8, where victims were brought the day after the attack that killed more than 1,200 people.
“The halls were filled to the ceiling with body bags, and the smell was unimaginable,” Ms. Mendes said. “I cannot describe to you the shock and despair that struck us all.”
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Her unit played a religious role, “escorting” female victims and preparing them for burial with white linen.
She told Sky News: “It was our duty to honor them. They could have been our daughters, they were the same age as our children… We loved them for just one moment.”
Ms. Mendes said the women showed up barely clothed, some wearing blood-stained underwear, and their injuries were something none of her team was prepared for.
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Did Hamas use rape as a weapon?
“The women were shot several times in the face… their mouths were grimacing, their eyes were open, and their fists were clenched,” she said.
“They were shot several times in the head, and in many cases it was as if there had been a deliberate obliteration of the women’s faces.
“Our team has seen women shot in their genitals. Women have been shot in their chests… our team has seen this.”
She added: “The women's legs were cut off. There appears to be systematic genital mutilation of the women we saw.”
Hamas denied that its fighters raped anyone during the attack, saying that this contravened the teachings of Islam, but the United Nations began investigating these allegations.
“Bombed bodies”
Ms Mendes said many victims were so badly damaged that she and her colleagues struggled to bury them in the usual white linen.
She told Sky News: “One woman had her arm and leg broken in so many places, it was like dealing with marble or sand, and at a certain point we said we would put a white sheet over her.”
Israeli soldiers inspect a burned-out car at the Nova Festival on October 13. Photo: Reuters
Witnesses and others who dealt with the attack in particular Nova Music Festival MassacreShe also described horrific injuries to women Rape appears to have been used as a tactic.
Ms. Mendes also said the base had to be evacuated at times because some victims arrived “booby-trapped.”
She said other women who may have experienced sexual violence during the attack could remain silent for fear of not being believed.
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“If these women are being questioned about the veracity of their allegations, why would they come forward?” She said.
“I think we have to be patient: they are very shocked… and it may take a while for these women to speak up, if they do.”
“It brings the victim back so you don't believe it.”
