United Nations expert team has said that incidents of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, took place at multiple sites during the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants. Led by UN special envoy for sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, the team visited Israel from January 29 to February 14, aimed at gathering, analyzing, and verifying information regarding sexual violence linked to the October 7 attacks.
The 24-page UN report said that there are credible circumstantial information which indicates various forms of sexual violence, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. The report said that the
mission team found clear and convincing information that some hostages taken to Gaza have been subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence and has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing.
The UN team has recommended a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the full extent, breadth, and specific accountability for the sexual violence. During the October 7 attack, Hamas fighters reportedly killed approximately 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages. In response, Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.