What’s happening

Planned Parenthood, a leading women’s health organization, has issued a statement condemning the acts of rape and sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7.

Why it matters

The acknowledgment and condemnation of sexual violence as a weapon of war are significant, especially coming from an organization that champions women’s health and rights. Planned Parenthood’s statement brings attention to the human rights violations and the need for maintaining health care services in conflict zones.

The details

In the aftermath of the brutal attack by Hamas, which resulted in over one thousand civilian deaths, the sexual assault of women and girls, and the kidnapping of more than 200 individuals, Planned Parenthood has expressed its unequivocal condemnation. This action by the organization amplifies the call for justice and the protection of women during times of war.

The bigger picture

The statement from Planned Parenthood arrives amidst a broader campaign by Israel and its supporters to highlight the silence from various women’s organizations regarding the sexual violence evidence from the October 7 incident. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN has criticized UN Women for their delayed response to these atrocities.

Testimonies and evidence

Testimonies from military personnel and forensic experts, along with disturbing video evidence, have been presented, painting a harrowing picture of the sexual violence inflicted by Hamas. The U.S. has reported that Hamas is preventing the release of some Israeli female hostages, possibly to prevent them from testifying about the abuse they suffered.

Planned Parenthood’s stance

The organization’s latest statement emphasizes the severity of Hamas’s actions and the need to address sexual violence in conflicts. Planned Parenthood had previously commented on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza without mentioning sexual violence, highlighting the evolution of their stance.

This story was first published on jpost.com.