UN Envoy Reports Evidence of Hamas Committing Sexual Violence in Southern Israel

UN envoy report provides evidence of Hamas committing rape and sexualized torture in southern Israel, with ongoing concerns of ongoing violence.

United Nations, Mar 4: The United Nations envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, has released a report detailing allegations of rape, "sexualized torture," and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women by Hamas during its surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2022. The report, based on a visit to Israel and the West Bank from January 29 to February 14, 2023, presents "reasonable grounds" to believe that such violence may be ongoing.

Findings of the UN Team

Patten's report reveals that the UN team, comprising nine members, gathered "clear and convincing information" indicating that some hostages were subjected to conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and "sexualized torture." Despite efforts to encourage victims to come forward, the team was unable to meet with any direct victims of sexual violence. However, they held 33 meetings with Israeli institutions and conducted interviews with 34 individuals, including survivors, witnesses, released hostages, health providers, and others.

Evidence of Sexual Violence

Based on the information gathered, the report suggests that "there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations." The team found instances where fully or partially naked bodies, mostly women, were recovered with hands tied and multiple gunshot wounds, often to the head. While circumstantial, Patten notes that the pattern of undressing and restraining victims may indicate forms of sexual violence.

Specific Incidents

At the Nova music festival and its surroundings, the report presents evidence suggesting multiple incidents of sexual violence, with victims subjected to rape and/or gang rape before being killed or killed during the act. Credible sources reported finding murdered victims, primarily women, naked from the waist down and shot in the head. On Road 232, witness accounts describe an incident of the rape of two women by armed elements.

While other reported rapes could not be verified during the team's time in Israel, a pattern emerged of bound naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down, sometimes tied to structures like trees and poles along Road 232. In kibbutz Reim, the mission team verified the rape of a woman outside a bomb shelter and encountered additional allegations of rape that required further verification.

Unfounded Allegations

The report also addresses highly publicized allegations that were later found to be unfounded. One such allegation involved a pregnant woman whose womb was reportedly ripped open before being killed with her fetus stabbed inside her. Patten clarifies that this allegation, along with another widely repeated in the media, was determined to be unfounded based on new superseding information and inconsistencies in the gathered facts.

The UN report sheds light on the serious allegations of sexual violence committed by Hamas during the conflict in southern Israel. While further investigation is necessary to fully establish the extent and nature of these crimes, the findings presented by Pramila Patten demand urgent attention and action to address and prevent such atrocities in the future.