A UN report confirmed that there are “good reasons to believe” that Hamas raped women in the October 7 attacks

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A recent report by the U.N. envoy on sexual violence in conflict has found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Hamas committed rape, “sexualized torture,” and other cruel and inhuman treatment of women during attacks on October 7 in Israel. The report states that there were multiple incidents of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, followed by murder or victims being killed while being raped at the site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip.

The report further details that victims were first raped and then murdered in at least three locations, including the site of the Nova music festival, Highway 232, and the Reim kibbutz. The team found a pattern of bound bodies, mostly women, shot multiple times, often in the head, and recovered completely or partially naked from the waist down.

Despite efforts to encourage victims to come forward and testify, none were willing to do so. The mission team interviewed survivors, witnesses, freed hostages, and healthcare providers, but was unable to meet with any victims of sexual violence. The report also mentions a New York Times investigation that had previously uncovered similar acts of extreme brutality against women in attacks on Israel.

The report highlights the need for further investigation and accountability for these heinous crimes. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a significant death toll, with nearly 250 people kidnapped and taken to Gaza in the October 7 attack that sparked the conflict, according to Israeli statistics. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that over 30,500 people have died in almost five months of conflict, with the majority of those killed being civilians.

The UN report and the findings it presents raise serious concerns about the treatment of women in conflict zones and the urgent need for justice and accountability for these horrific acts of sexual violence.