The Official Recognition
Following an official press release, the United Nations (UN) has recognized instances of sexual violence perpetrated by Palestinian terrorists against Israeli victims. This acknowledgment comes after an investigation that lasted 150 days.
The confirmation, detailed in a report accessible on the UN’s official website, sheds light on the horrifying acts of rape and sexual terrorism inflicted upon many Israelis on October 7 last year. The report underscores the severity of the crimes committed, including gang rape, mutilation of women, rape of corpses, mutilation of genitals, and continuous sexual violence against captives in Gaza.
Evidence Of Rape And Sexual Abuse
The report, presented at a press conference held at the UN Headquarters in New York, asserts that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Hamas militants engaged in rape and sexual abuse during the violent rampage on October 7. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that hostages kidnapped by Hamas on that day were subjected to rape while in captivity.
According to the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, the findings are based on extensive meetings conducted on the ground, including interviews with survivors, witnesses, and released hostages. The investigation also involved the examination of 5,000 photographic images and approximately 50 hours of footage documenting the attacks.
She further revealed that there are ongoing reports that the abuse against hostages in captivity is still rampant in the region. Patten commented during the press briefing that the mission was challenging due to the distressing accounts and graphic descriptions of severe torture and atrocities witnessed.
Recall that Israel reportedly accused the UN of downplaying the severity of the issue and delaying investigations into the allegations. However, the UN Secretary-General promptly disputed these assertions, reiterating the organization’s dedication to confronting sexual violence in conflict areas.
Patten emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain the full extent of sexual violence. Despite the hurdles posed by the continuing conflict, the UN representative underscored the significance of seeking redress for the victims and ensuring accountability for the offenders.
Atrocities Uncovered In The Investigation
The report identified multiple locations where rape and gang rape are believed to have occurred during the October 7 attacks. These areas include the Kibbutz Re’im, the Supernova music festival site, and Route 232.
Victims were reportedly subjected to rape before being killed, with some instances of raping women’s corpses. At the Supernova music festival grounds, Patten described scenes of brutal mass killings, with many bodies found extensively burned or disfigured.
Additionally, a recurring pattern of victims found partially or fully undressed, bound, and shot was noted. While some allegations of sexual violence from Kibbutz Be’eri were determined to be unfounded, Patten acknowledged the challenges in verifying specific claims.
Interviews conducted in the West Bank also revealed instances of inhuman, cruel, and degrading treatment by Israeli security forces, including reports of sexual violence. The report’s release underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of sexual violence in this zone and other conflict zones.
