Hamas Faces Accusations of Sexual Violence as U.N. Investigation Urged

The United Nations has heard accounts of sexual violence during the 7 October attacks by Hamas, with Israeli officials, US politicians, and activists speaking out against the lack of investigation and condemnation of these crimes. Hamas denies the allegations, but survivors, witnesses, and forensic evidence suggest otherwise. The meeting, attended by diplomats from dozens of countries, watched videos and heard testimonies describing genital mutilation, gang-rape, and systematic sexual assault. Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton criticized those who ignore the victims of Hamas, and a UN commission of inquiry is set to focus on sexual violence in the attacks. However, Israel's lack of cooperation may hinder the investigation.