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 sharing the horrors they experienced in captivity, including instances of rape and sexual assault. Israeli officials believe that Hamas still holds approximately 18 women who 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, with Israel calling on the United Nations to take action.