BREAKING: Israel has confirmed that approximately 50% of the living hostages returned from Gaza have reported experiencing sexual abuse during their captivity. This alarming revelation was made public via Israel’s official X account, which stated that the abuse included significant sexual assault and other forms of degradation.
The report highlights the harrowing conditions faced by these individuals. Israel’s post emphasized that if acts such as being forced to undress in front of their captors or being watched while bathing are included, the percentage of victims could be even higher. Reports of sexual coercion, gang rape, and humiliation are part of the disturbing accounts shared.
In a chilling testimony, former hostage Aviva Siegel spoke before the UN Committee Against Torture about the abuses she witnessed. “I am witness to one of the girls who was with us… a Hamas terrorist came to the bathroom, told her to get undressed, came into the shower with her, and forced her to do oral sex,” Siegel recounted, describing the traumatic experiences of young girls in captivity.
The emotional toll of these events is staggering. Siegel detailed how a 16-year-old victim was forced to shower in front of a terrorist who simply stood and watched. Another girl reported shaking after returning from a bathroom visit, revealing that a Hamas member had brutally assaulted her while threatening her life should she speak out.
The situation has been compounded by controversial remarks from Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls. Alsalem faced backlash after denying that any rapes occurred during the catastrophic events of October 7. “No Palestinian cheered for rape in Gaza. No independent investigation has found that rape occurred on October 7,” she stated on X, prompting condemnation from Israeli officials.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, condemned Alsalem’s comments, calling them a “moral disgrace.” He insisted that any UN representative who denies the atrocities committed by Hamas should be removed from her position, stating, “This is a stain on the UN’s reputation.”
The controversy also clashes with findings from Pramila Patten, the UN’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict. While Patten did not confirm instances of rape, she noted “reasonable grounds” to suspect sexual violence based on circumstantial evidence, including victims found in compromising positions.
As these revelations unfold, the world continues to grapple with the implications of these abuses on the victims and the ongoing conflict. The urgency of addressing these allegations is paramount, as the human impact of this situation cannot be overstated.
Next Steps: The international community is urged to continue monitoring this situation closely, as further investigations and testimonies emerge. The emotional and physical scars left on the victims will require comprehensive support and intervention.
For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
