‘Wonder Woman’ Gal Gadot Slams Silence Over Sexual Violence During Hamas Attack

Israeli-American actress and “Wonder Woman” star Gal Gadot has slammed the international community and feminists for their silence over the widespread sexual violence of October 7 victims. 

The Israeli-American actress took to Instagram to condemn the continued holding of women hostages by Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip. She wrote on Instagram, “The world has failed the women of October 7th. We claim we stand against rape and violence against women. We will not let women be victimized and then silenced.”

Gal Gadot, who was crowned Miss Israel 2004 and represented Israel at the Miss Universe 2004 pageant, slammed Hamas for committing crimes against Israeli women.

Gal Gadot slams silence on Hamas’ sexual atrocities

Gal Gadot, who plays the title character in the Wonder Woman film series, slammed Hamas for carrying out its violent plans in real-time. She gave the example of Shani Louk, a German woman, who was paraded naked by Hamas. Shani Louk’s family and the Israeli government said that Hamas fighters killed her. 

Gal Gadot said on Instagram, “Within hours of the October 7th attack, the first blood-chilling video emerged of Shani Louk being paraded naked and defiled by her proud assailants.”

She has voiced her support for Israel amid the conflict between Hamas fighters and Israeli forces. She urged international groups and feminists to raise their voices against Hamas’ sexual atrocities. Gal Gadot also urged the United Nations to “demand that Hamas release every single woman hostage immediately.” 

The actress said that “women are still hostage to these rapists and the world has failed to call this situation.” She said that the silence is a blow to women’s rights across the world. 

Israel-Hamas conflict

Israel-Hamas conflict started on 7 October. Various women claimed that they were raped by Hamas fighters during the attack. A survivor of the Hamas attack said that she saw a woman gang-raped by Hamas fighters. 

Israeli women have been suffering because of the conflict. Israeli police have already started investigating “several cases” of alleged sexual violence against Israeli women by Hamas. 

According to witnesses, an Israeli woman was raped and mutilated by several armed men. Hamas also shot one woman in the head after raping her. Women said that they were raped repeatedly by Hamas fighters. 

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, said that the Hamas members raped various women and girls.  

The broader context of the conflict remains fraught with tension and uncertainty.