"UN Envoy Condemns Sexual Violence and Calls for Action Against Perpetrators"

The UN envoy on sexual violence in conflict warned Israel that the finding of sexual violence against hostages taken by Hamas does not justify further hostilities, urging a humanitarian cease-fire and the release of all hostages. Israel's foreign minister protested Hamas' crimes against humanity and called for condemnation of sexual violence. The Palestinian ambassador accused Israel of seeking the forcible displacement of Palestinians and urged equal response to reports of sexual assault. The UN envoy recommended investigations into alleged violations by Hamas and expressed disappointment at the rejection of these reports by some political actors.