Hamas must be held accountable for violence and sexual assault in Israeli attack

UN rapporteurs called for Hamas to be held accountable for violence and sexual assault in the October 7 attack on Israel.

Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and Maurice Tidbalbins, the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings, were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council.

According to them, there is ample evidence that the Hamas militant group has committed disturbing acts such as sexual torture, gang rape, mutilation and genital shooting. UN rapporteurs have described these acts as “gross violations of international law” and stressed that they amount to war crimes, also known as crimes against humanity.

They also pointed out that there is evidence of people being burned alive and mutilated bodies, adding: "Every victim, regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender, deserves recognition and our role is to be their voice."

While Israeli police investigators are gathering evidence of sexual violence, Hamas has denied any such actions. According to the Israeli government, more than 130 hostages taken during the Hamas attack on Israel are still being held by Hamas. At least 24 hostages have been killed during this time.

Linda Thomas Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, also reacted to the statements of the aforementioned reporters and, by publishing a message on social media, called for immediate condemnation of Hamas' actions regarding sexual violence.