UN report finds ‘convincing’ information that hostages in Gaza were raped

United Nations Report on Sexual Violence in Gaza and Israel

The United Nations team, led by Pramila Patten, the UN special envoy on sexual violence in conflict, has found clear and convincing information that hostages in Gaza were sexually abused. Patten also stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the sexual violence is ongoing. The team's findings also indicate reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during Hamas' October 7 terror attack in Israel. This is considered the most definitive finding by the global organization on sexual assault allegations in the aftermath of the attack [1].

Mission Details and Challenges

The UN team visited Israel between January 29 and February 14 for a mission aimed at gathering, analyzing, and verifying information on conflict-related sexual violence during and after the October 7 attacks. The team also went to Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, where stakeholders alleged cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, including various forms of sexual violence, on Palestinians in detention. Patten emphasized that the mission was not investigative in nature and highlighted the challenges faced in gathering and verifying incidents of sexual violence [1].

Response from Hamas and Findings in Israel and the West Bank

Hamas has previously denied that its militants committed rape during the October 7 attack, strongly rejecting and denouncing the allegations. The UN team's report detailed findings across various locations in Israel, indicating a pattern of undressing and restraining of victims that may be indicative of some forms of sexual violence. The report also identified grave violations, most involving rape, in at least three locations in Israel. However, the mission faced challenges in gathering and verifying incidents of sexual violence, including limited forensic material and unreliable forensic interpretation at crime scenes. Some widely reported alleged incidences were determined by the mission to be unfounded [1].

Concerns in the West Bank

While in the West Bank, the mission was informed of the cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment faced by Palestinian women and men in detention, including various forms of sexual violence. Concerns were also raised about the circulation of pictures of women detainees and depriving women of menstruation products. The report highlighted the limited availability of victims, survivors, and witnesses of sexual violence due to the internal displacement of affected communities and the lack of public trust and confidence in national and international institutions, including the UN [1].

Conclusion

The UN team's findings and the ongoing nature of the situation highlight the urgency and complexity of addressing conflict-related sexual violence in the region. The report underscores the need for comprehensive and sensitive approaches to investigating and addressing these serious allegations.

This is a developing story, and further updates may provide additional insights and responses from relevant parties.