BREAKING: Israel has confirmed that approximately 50 percent of the living hostages returned from Gaza report experiencing sexual abuse during their captivity. This alarming revelation highlights the severe conditions faced by those held by Hamas.
In a statement via its official X account, Israel detailed that this figure includes victims of significant sexual assault. The report indicates that many hostages endured not just physical harm, but also emotional trauma, including being forced to undress and subjected to voyeurism. The implications are harrowing, with testimony revealing accounts of sexual coercion and gang rape.
Last week, former hostage Aviva Siegel testified before the UN Committee Against Torture, describing the horrific abuse she witnessed firsthand. “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. Her chilling account illustrates the depth of the trauma inflicted on young victims, including a 16-year-old girl who was coerced into exposing herself.
The situation escalated further when Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, faced backlash for denying that any rape occurred during the October 7 attacks. Her remarks—asserting that “no independent investigation has found that rape occurred”—have drawn condemnation from Israeli officials, including Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN. Danon labeled her comments a “moral disgrace,” insisting that any UN representative denying the reality of such atrocities should be removed from their position.
This controversy is compounded by a 2024 report from Pramila Patten, the UN’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict. While Patten did not provide definitive proof of rape, she highlighted “reasonable grounds” to believe that sexual violence did occur, citing the discovery of victims’ bodies in compromising positions.
The implications of these reports are profound, not only for the victims but also for the broader discourse on human rights violations in conflict zones. As the world grapples with these revelations, the urgent need for accountability and support for the victims is critical.
WHAT’S NEXT: As investigations continue, the international community is urged to pay close attention to the testimonies emerging from Gaza. Discussions surrounding the treatment of hostages and the responsibilities of organizations like Hamas will remain at the forefront.
For ongoing updates on this urgent situation, consider signing up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter. Shockwaves from these developments are likely to reverberate across global discussions on conflict and human rights.
