British MPs and peers were presented with harrowing accounts from Israelis who dealt with the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel.
Witnesses spoke of “deliberate, systematic genital mutilation” and confirmed cases of sexual assault against female victims.
Business Secretary and Minister for Women, Kemi Badenoch, emphasized the need for thorough investigations and condemned sexual violence, stating, “Rape is not resistance.”
Hamas denied allegations of sexual assault during the attacks, while an Israeli police officer claimed “clear evidence” of rape and sexual violence on a scale constituting a crime against humanity.
Warning: The following details may be distressing.
During the attacks, hundreds of Palestinian gunmen infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in around 1,300 casualties and 250 hostages.
Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 26,900 deaths, primarily women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
MPs and Lords attending the parliamentary meeting were moved to tears as witnesses recounted the horrifying scenes.
Architect Shari Mendes, a military reservist, spoke of identifying female bodies with brutal injuries, describing the mutilation as deliberate and systematic.
Simcha Greiniman, a volunteer for Zaka, shared his experiences recovering bodies after the Hamas attack, recounting gruesome details of women with objects in intimate areas.
He asserted that some victims had been sexually attacked and urged the international community not to ignore the atrocities.
Both Mendes and Greiniman lacked expertise in sexual violence, but their testimony aligned with evidence from forensic investigations and witness statements, according to the Israeli government.
Chief Superintendent Mirit Ben Mayor of the Israel Police informed the Parliamentarians of the challenges in collecting evidence but asserted, “There is clear evidence that rape and sexual violence offences were committed against the victims.
We are investigating crimes against humanity.”
The BBC also obtained evidence, including video testimony and images, supporting claims of rape and mutilation during the attacks.
Concerns were raised about over 100 Israelis and foreign nationals still held captive in Gaza, with fears for their well-being.
Kemi Badenoch expressed UK solidarity with the victims, calling for international organizations to unequivocally condemn sexual violence against Israelis. Israeli officials criticized the slow response from UN and international leaders.
UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, visited Israel to support survivors and gather information for justice and accountability.
Two UN human rights experts labeled the reported acts as “gross violations of international law” and potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.