A recent United Nations report revealed evidence of sexual violence during the Hamas-led attack on Israel, including rape and sexual torture of hostages in the Gaza Strip. The report was based on a mission to Israel and the West Bank led by Pramila Patten, the secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict.
The report found “reasonable grounds” to believe that sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred in multiple locations during the Hamas-led incursion into Israel. The incidents took place at the Nova music festival site, Road 232, and Kibbutz Re’im, with some victims being killed after being subjected to rape. The report also mentioned allegations of sexual abuse of Palestinians detained by Israel.
Furthermore, the report cited instances of sexual violence that had not been widely reported, such as the rape of a woman outside a bomb shelter at the entrance of Kibbutz Re’im. The experts also noted a pattern of victims, mostly women, found naked, bound, and shot across multiple locations, indicating a form of sexual violence and torture.
Regarding the hostages seized in Israel and taken to Gaza, the report confirmed that some women and children were subjected to sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, and cruel treatment. The report also suggested that such abuse was ongoing against the hostages still being held.
Israel welcomed the report for acknowledging the pattern of rape, torture, and sexual abuse committed in different locations. However, the report could not verify reports of sexual violence in Kibbutz Kfar Aza or Kibbutz Be’eri.
2024-03-04 22:07:52
Post from www.nytimes.com
