Hamas Holds Female Hostages to Conceal Their Captivity Ordeals

The U.S. State Department suspects that Hamas is refusing to release its remaining female hostages to prevent them from revealing the horrors they experienced in captivity, including instances of rape and sexual assault. Israeli officials believe that Hamas still holds approximately 18 women hostage, most of whom were kidnapped from a music festival near the Gaza border. The State Department's statement comes amid heightened tensions regarding Hamas' brutal treatment of women, and Israel has called on the United Nations to take action.