Hamas' use of sexual violence is an all-too-common part of modern war – but not in all conflicts
The ConversationNov 30, 2023
UN: Sexual Violence Likely Occurred in Oct. 7 Attack
story
Image copyright: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A UN investigation found "convincing information" that Hamas has committed rape and sexualized torture against Israeli hostages, adding that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" Hamas used sexual violence during its Oct. 7 attack.
The report follows an investigation led by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. It cited indications of sexual violence near Kibbutz Re'im. Hamas has denied that it has committed any sexual violence.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
It took the UN far too long to acknowledge the sexually abusive nature of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, but this report is nevertheless welcomed proof of the group's myriad of atrocities. Importantly, it's not biased toward Israel in any way, as the UN also describes allegations on both sides. What matters now is that the world is finally listening to what Israel has been saying since Oct. 7 — Hamas used rape as a weapon of war.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Investigating war crimes is a painstaking process that takes time, and the UN was doing its due diligence in acquiring documented evidence amidst an information warfare environment. However, while there is no denying or justifying the unspeakable sexual violence committed against Israeli civilians by Hamas, this report does not absolve Israel of the extraordinary atrocities it is continuing to commit in Gaza. Both must be held to account, and this must not be used to deflect from Israel's crimes.
