What’s happening:
The United Nations has initiated an inquiry into allegations of sexual violence, including rape, by Hamas during the October 7th attacks on Israel. The UN commission is appealing to the public for evidence to support these claims.
Why it matters:
Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war, with Israeli authorities uncovering disturbing evidence of rape and mutilation. These findings have sparked investigations both locally and internationally, highlighting the need for accountability and justice for the victims.
What they’re saying:
Navi Pillay, the chair of the commission, has expressed the commission’s commitment to investigating these crimes and the intention to provide evidence to the International Criminal Court. Despite criticism from Israel regarding the commission’s alleged bias, Pillay insists on the importance of their mission.
Challenges ahead:
The commission faces significant obstacles, notably the lack of cooperation from Israel, which has been skeptical of the commission’s intentions and accuses it of anti-Israel prejudice. This could impede the collection of evidence needed for potential prosecutions.
The bigger picture:
This investigation by the UN Commission of Inquiry, with its broad mandate, may lead to war crimes prosecutions. The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over the events of October 7th and subsequent actions, including Israel’s military response.
Response from Israel:
Israel has opened its own investigation into the sexual violence reported during the attacks and has been critical of the UN commission’s approach. The Israeli mission to the UN in Geneva has stated that Israeli victims are unlikely to find justice through this Commission of Inquiry.
Other concerns:
In addition to sexual violence, the commission is probing other war crimes, including the high casualty rate from Israel’s bombings in Gaza and the killing of journalists during the conflict, which further complicates the already tense situation.
This story was first published on jpost.com.