BREAKING: Israel has confirmed that approximately 50% of the hostages released from Gaza reported experiencing sexual abuse during their captivity. This shocking revelation was made via Israel’s official account on X, highlighting the severe mistreatment endured by these individuals.
The report details harrowing incidents of sexual coercion, gang rape, and humiliating assaults. Israel’s post stated, “If you include being watched naked while bathing and being forced to undress in front of the kidnappers as assault, the figure is higher.” These allegations have emerged amid increasing scrutiny regarding the treatment of hostages by Hamas.
Former hostage Aviva Siegel provided a chilling account to the UN Committee Against Torture, describing the traumatic experiences faced by young girls in captivity. Siegel recounted a disturbing incident where a Hamas terrorist forced a 16-year-old girl to undress and subjected her to sexual acts while he watched, warning her against speaking out under threat of death.
The situation escalated further with remarks from Reem Alsalem, the UN’s special rapporteur on violence against women and girls. Alsalem controversially denied reports of rape occurring during the initial attacks on October 7, sparking outrage from Israeli officials. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned her statements as a “moral disgrace,” emphasizing the need for accountability within the UN.
This backlash aligns with a 2024 report by Pramila Patten, the UN’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict. While not conclusively proving rape, Patten indicated there are “reasonable grounds” to believe such acts occurred, citing circumstantial evidence such as victims being found in compromising positions.
The gravity of these allegations underscores the urgent need for an independent investigation into the conditions faced by hostages. The emotional toll on victims and their families cannot be overstated, as the revelations continue to surface.
As this story develops, the international community is urged to pay close attention to the unfolding events. The impact on the hostages and broader implications for conflict in the region remain a pressing concern.
For real-time updates on this evolving situation, stay tuned and share this information widely.
