Hamas' Sexual Violence: Israel and Activists Demand Swift U.N. Response

Israel and activists have accused the United Nations of a slow response to accounts of Hamas carrying out widespread sexual violence against women during its October 7 attack on Israel. Israeli authorities claim to have collected extensive testimonies and evidence of rape and sex crimes, including mutilation and torture, from witnesses and first responders. Hamas denies these allegations. Activists have criticized the U.N. for failing to act and protect Israeli women, while U.N. Women has condemned the attack and called for investigations and prosecutions of gender-based violence. The U.N. commission of inquiry investigating war crimes in the Israel-Hamas conflict will focus on sexual violence by Hamas and share evidence with the International Criminal Court. Israel has not cooperated with the commission, citing bias.