As global scrutiny continues over the events of October 7, 2023, a member of the Israeli legal team known as Team 710 has stated that prosecutors have not found evidence to support any allegations of rape or sexual assault by Palestinian fighters. The admission, which first appeared in an interview with Israeli outlet Wek, has sparked controversy and raised new questions about the accuracy of high-profile accusations that emerged following the deadly incursion by Hamas into southern Israel.
Team 710: Who Are They?
Formed in the wake of the Hamas raid that took place on October 7, Team 710 consists of four Israeli prosecutors tasked with evaluating evidence and building cases against any individuals accused of committing crimes during that incursion. Among them is Attorney Moran Gaz, who has previously advocated for severe penalties against any Palestinian found guilty of taking hostages or committing violent acts on Israeli soil.
Gaz made her stance clear early on. In public statements, she expressed support for seeking the death penalty against any perpetrator—whether they were accused of direct violence or even lesser crimes like looting.
The Rape Allegations—and Their Collapse
From the outset, Israeli authorities and sections of the international media circulated multiple accounts describing alleged acts of sexual violence by Hamas militants. Those claims initially gained widespread attention, fueling public outrage.
However, in an interview with Wek, Gaz reportedly acknowledged that, after more than a year of investigations, prosecutors have found no verifiable evidence of rape or sexual assault tied to the Hamas raid. Gaz said no charges have been or will be filed for sexual crimes because:
- No Official Complaints: Women’s advocacy groups in Israel were contacted to identify any victims or complaints, but none were received.
- Lack of Direct Evidence: Investigators have not uncovered physical evidence or testimonies that would support rape or sexual assault charges.
While Gaz did raise the possibility that potential victims may have been killed during the incursion—or are otherwise unwilling to come forward—she acknowledged the absence of complainants has hampered any prosecution on that front. She also expressed frustration at what she views as overly “stringent” legal standards requiring robust proof.
Implications for the Broader Narrative
Critics argue that Israel’s initial claims of atrocities such as widespread sexual assault helped justify a forceful military response in Gaza. With Gaz’s recent admission, questions have grown over whether the mainstream media amplified unverified stories. Some commentators assert this undermines the credibility of other allegations as well, although prosecutors maintain that the kidnapping and hostage-taking charges against Hamas remain strong.
The admission also touches on a separate debate regarding legal recourse. Israel historically has rarely enforced the death penalty; indeed, the only person executed under Israeli law whose conviction stood was Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962. Nonetheless, Gaz publicly stated her view that anyone crossing into Israel on October 7—regardless of whether they committed violence or lesser offenses—should face the same penalty.
Calls for an Independent Investigation
These latest developments have reignited demands for an independent, international investigation into the events of October 7. Various human-rights organizations and some Israeli lawmakers argue that a transparent, external review is needed to establish exactly what happened that night, especially given conflicting narratives around who bears responsibility for the large-scale destruction that followed.
Continued Conflict and Ceasefire Breakdowns
While the legal and media battles unfold, renewed hostilities have reportedly resumed between Hamas and Israeli forces in Gaza. The most recent ceasefire collapsed when Israel ended negotiations under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, prompting Hamas to fire rockets yet again. Analysts say that despite the devastation wrought in Gaza, Hamas still appears to have operational capacity, raising fears of further escalation in the region.
Looking Ahead
Despite heightened tensions, the revelations from Team 710 underline the complexity of discerning fact from propaganda in wartime conditions. With at least one high-profile allegation now dismissed for lack of evidence, attention has turned to how other accusations of violence will fare under scrutiny—and whether international media coverage will adjust in response to these findings.
As lawyers from Team 710 continue their work, the global community watches to see if this admission regarding rape allegations will erode or reinforce the broader narratives of wrongdoing. For now, the question of who will be held accountable—and on which specific charges—remains open-ended as calls intensify for more thorough, independent oversight.
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Last October, several media outlets published figures showing Israel had killed at least 3,100 Palestinians under the age of five and that roughly 710 children killed in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024, were younger than a year old. Nearly 70% of Gaza’s war dead are women and children, according to the UN. Last August, it was reported Israel’s relentless war on Gaza had killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, at least 16,456 of them children and over 11,000 women.
