A recent UN investigation suggests that sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, likely occurred during the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7.
Led by Pramila Patten, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the team gathered convincing information indicating the use of sexual violence against hostages.
Hamas denies these allegations.
According to the UN report, conflict-related sexual violence occurred in multiple locations during the attacks, including the Nova music festival site, Road 232, and Kibbutz Re’im.
On October 7, Hamas gunmen infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, leading to further casualties.
Reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas have been accumulating since October 7.
The BBC has also documented evidence of rape, sexual violence, and mutilation of women.
During their visit to Israel between January 29 and February 14, the UN team, comprising Ms. Patten and nine experts, gathered and verified allegations but was unable to interview any victims directly.
While some allegations could not be verified, Israel welcomed the UN’s recognition of Hamas’s sexual crimes.
However, Israel rejected claims of sexual violence against Palestinian men and women in detention settings, house raids, and checkpoints.
Israel also opposed cooperating with the UN’s International Commission of Inquiry, accusing it of bias against Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the UN for not convening the Security Council to discuss the findings and designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric clarified that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres fully supported the investigation and its findings, refuting claims of attempting to silence the report.
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