UN Report Details Hamas Atrocities and Sexual Violence in the October 7th attack on Israel

The United Nations has released a damning report shedding light on the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization Hamas, including acts of sexual violence, during the massacre that occurred in early October. The report follows a visit by the UN Secretary-General's representative on sexual violence in conflict, Premila Patten, to Israel to investigate allegations of rape and sexual abuse by Hamas terrorists.

Patten's visit, which took place at the end of January following appeals from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Gilad Erdan, aimed to gather hard evidence of the heinous crimes perpetrated by Hamas. Addressing the press conference, Patten emphasized the testimonies and evidence collected from survivors, witnesses, and rescue forces involved in the aftermath of the attacks.

The report highlights instances of sexual abuse against abductees held captive by Hamas, with ongoing acts of violence reported against those still in captivity. It identifies multiple locations where atrocities occurred, including Route 232, Reim, the Nova Festival, and the Otaf kibbutz, detailing horrific acts such as gang rape, rape of corpses, and mutilation of women.

However, the report refrains from explicitly attributing all acts to Hamas, suggesting involvement by other Palestinian factions like the Islamic Jihad. Despite this, Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for global recognition of Hamas as a terrorist entity and condemned the UN's silence on the matter.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan presented evidence of the atrocities at the UN, decrying the organization's inaction and accusing it of complicity through silence. He called for accountability and urged the international community to acknowledge the suffering inflicted by Hamas.

The report, based on confidential interviews, footage, and forensic investigations, underscores challenges faced by Israeli authorities in collecting evidence of sexual violence. It calls for further investigation by UN bodies, including the International Commission of Inquiry into the Occupied Territories and the UN Human Rights Commission, despite Israel's historical reluctance to cooperate.

Premila Patten's visit is hailed as a significant achievement for Israel, despite tensions with UN bodies perceived as pro-Palestinian. The report serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address the atrocities committed by Hamas and ensure justice for the victims of sexual violence in conflict zones.