What’s happening:

The United Nations plans to deploy an information-gathering mission to investigate the widespread accounts of sexual assault allegedly committed by Hamas during its attacks in Israel in October.

Why it matters:

This UN initiative underscores the severity of the allegations against Hamas and the profound impact of their offensive on civilian lives in Israel. The spotlight on sexual violence highlights often overlooked war crimes, addressing demands for justice and support for the victims.

Details:

Pramila Patten, the UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, will visit Israel and the West Bank to gather firsthand information on the violations reported in the context of the October 7 attacks and their aftermath. Meetings are scheduled with survivors, witnesses, and affected individuals to discern pathways for assistance and recovery.

Backlash against the UN:

The United Nations has been criticized for a perceived delayed response to these allegations. Victims’ accounts indicate that during the rampage, terrorists committed acts such as rape and sexual assault alongside other atrocities like torture and mutilation.

The scope of the assault:

During the Hamas onslaught, approximately 3,000 terrorists infiltrated Israel, leading to the loss of around 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians. Shocking events, such as the mass murder at an outdoor music festival, have fueled nationwide horror and international concern. Israel continues to deal with the aftermath, focusing on counterterrorism, dismantling Hamas’s control in Gaza, and rescuing hostages.

International demands:

Two special UN rapporteurs on torture and executions have called for accountability, indicating that the acts of violence could amount to crimes against humanity, signaling the possibility of significant international legal repercussions for those identified as perpetrators.

Investigations underway:

Israeli authorities are actively investigating sexual crimes from the attacks, with Hamas denying the claims despite solid evidence from multiple sources. The New York Times described the sexual assaults as systematic in its investigative report, adding gravity to the accusations.

Wider implications:

The death toll continues to rise amidst ongoing conflict, with conflicting numbers reported on the casualties in Gaza from both sides. Recognizing evidence of sexual violence inserts a sensitive and critical dimension to the aftermath, with potential impacts on how future conflicts and their resolutions are perceived and addressed.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.