Hamas Planned Sexual Violence in Attacks, Israeli Activist Reveals
An Israeli women’s rights campaigner and lawyer, Prof Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, disclosed that Hamas had a deliberate plan to use sexual violence as a weapon during the October 7 attacks.
She witnessed evidence indicating rape, criticizing the UN for delaying acknowledgment. Israel is investigating sexual crimes, with over 1,500 testimonies collected.
Hamas denies the allegations, and activists are urging international organizations to address gender-based violence.
The UN, criticized for delayed response, finally acknowledged the reports. The ongoing inquiry into war crimes will include a focus on sexual violence during the October attacks.
Israel has not cooperated, viewing the commission as biased. The conflict resulted in 1,200 deaths, and Gaza reports over 15,500 casualties since Israel’s military response. [Source: BBC]
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67613153