Finkelstein justified Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in his book by comparing it to the Nat Turner slave rebellion of 1831.
By Shula Rosen
Anti-Israel political scientist Norman Finkelstein publicly denied allegations that sexual violence occurred during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, arguing in a recent media appearance with influencer Hasan Piker that there is no visual evidence, despite research indicating that Hamas did commit such crimes.
Discussing evidence related to the attack, Finkelstein said the available archive contains no images or footage documenting sexual assault.
“Bear in mind, there’s not only just an absence of any digital evidence… not one single frame of rape, not one of sexual violence, not one frame,” he said.
Finkelstein also disputed arguments that Hamas or other terrorist organizations may have withheld such recordings from publication.
Referring to claims that the groups intentionally circulated graphic footage from the attack to intimidate Israelis, he argued that the absence of videos depicting sexual violence undermined allegations that such crimes occurred.
Official investigations have concluded there is clear evidence of sexual violence on October 7, 2023.
Key findings include a United Nations report citing reasonable grounds to believe rape occurred, Civil Commission findings detailing systematic abuse, and extensive digital media and witness testimony.
Additionally, a number of freed hostages have spoken at length about sexual violence perpetrated against them in captivity.
Separately, Finkelstein drew comparisons in his book between Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which included the killing of civilians and the mass abduction of hostages, and the Nat Turner slave rebellion of 1831.
Finkelstein argues that acts of mass violence carried out by oppressed populations should be understood within the context of systemic confinement and the absence of alternative paths to liberation.
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