UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict issued a warning to Israel on Monday regarding the findings of “clear and convincing information” that some hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel were subjected to sexual violence. The envoy emphasized that this finding does not justify further hostilities.
“Instead, it underscores the urgent need for a humanitarian cease-fire to end the horrific suffering inflicted on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Pramila Patten stated at the U.N. Security Council, where Israel’s foreign minister was present.
“Continuing hostilities will not protect them but only expose them to more violence, including sexual violence,” she added.
Patten addressed the council during a meeting requested by Israel and convened by the United States, United Kingdom, and France to discuss her recent report. The report also found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Hamas committed rape, sexualized torture, and other cruel acts against women during the Oct. 7 attack, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken.
She urged for a humanitarian cease-fire to be implemented for the sake of the 134 hostages still in captivity and the more than 2 million civilians in Gaza. Israel’s offensive against Hamas has resulted in over 30,000 casualties, with two-thirds being women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz used the council platform to condemn the crimes committed by Hamas as acts of humanity, aimed at instilling fear in Israeli society.
He criticized the Security Council for not condemning Hamas’ actions and called for the group to be designated a terrorist organization, urging for the immediate release of the hostages.
Katz also extended Ramadan greetings to Muslims worldwide, emphasizing that Hamas does not represent the Muslim community.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, highlighted the suffering in Gaza amidst the Ramadan celebrations, accusing Israel of seeking to displace Palestinians from Gaza.
He expressed hope for the Security Council to respond to reports of sexual assault against Palestinians and welcomed investigations into the alleged violations by Hamas.
Patten recommended that Israel allow access for U.N. human rights officials to investigate the reported violations by Hamas.
Mansour invited Patten to visit Gaza to witness the situation firsthand, while Patten mentioned instances of sexual violence reported in the West Bank and Israeli authorities’ willingness to investigate.
She expressed disappointment in the immediate rejection of her report by certain political figures, urging for proper inquiries into the alleged incidents.
