Police, prosecutors gathering evidence to charge terrorists involved in Oct. 7 massacre

The attorney general and state attorney are working with police, the military and the Shin Bet to formally investigate the Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7 with an aim of charging and trying those involved.

“Our goal is to investigate and initiate legal proceedings against those who perpetrated, planned and otherwise took part in these heinous acts – wherever they are,” they say in a statement.

The statement says Israel will punish the Hamas terrorists responsible with “the utmost severity, commensurate with their crimes.”

Police are working to collect evidence from towns across the south as attorneys for the Justice Ministry decide how best to proceed with the investigation.

Israel has said it is holding about 200 Hamas terrorists arrested on October 7 and in the days afterward. It has released some interrogation videos in which the prisoners describe their orders and activities during the murderous rampage.

Hebrew media reports say that investigators have already gathered some 700 testimonies from survivors of the attacks, including reports of rape.