UN special envoy on sexual violence to visit Israel, gather info on Hamas atrocities in 7 October assault

The UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict Pramila Patten will visit Israel and the West Bank and launch an information-gathering mission at the end of the month over the widespread evidence of sexual assault by Hamas during its devastating 7 October assault on Israel.

According to a Times of Israel report, citing UN Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric, during her trip Patten will “gather information on sexual violence reportedly committed in the context of the attacks of 7 October and its aftermath.”

“She is expected to meet with survivors, witnesses, and others affected by sexual violence to identify avenues of support,” the report quoted Dujarric as saying, adding that Patten also plans to meet with “recently released hostages and detainees.”

“Patten will be accompanied by experts in safe and ethical interviewing, forensic evidence, digital analysis, and accountability,” he said, with the trip part of “the exercise of her mandate in accordance with a standard UN methodology.”

According to the report, citing The Haaretz daily, Patten was invited to Israel by the Foreign Ministry and will hand over her findings to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for inclusion in his annual report to the UN Security Council.

On Monday, UN experts Alice Jill Edwards and Morris Tidball-Binz urged accountability for sexual violence against Israeli civilians during the 7 October Hamas massacre. They pointed to mounting evidence of rapes and genital mutilation, suggesting possible crimes against humanity.

Criticism has been directed at the UN for a delayed response to victims’ accounts of rape and sexual assault allegedly committed during Hamas’s massive onslaught in Israel.

Around 3,000 terrorists breached the border with the Gaza Strip, wreaking havoc in southern regions, slaughtering families, raping women, and engaging in torture and mutilation. An outdoor music festival saw over 360 people killed, with a total death toll of around 1,200, predominantly civilians.

Israel launched a military campaign in response, aiming to destroy Hamas, remove it from power in Gaza, and free hostages. An investigation into sexual crimes during the deadly attack is underway, despite Hamas denying the abuses. The New York Times reported systematic sexual mutilation based on a two-month investigation.

Israeli authorities have evidence, including witness testimony, videos, terrorist testimonies, and photographs, pointing to sexual assault. The Israel Police are building cases of murder, torture, and other atrocities committed on 7 October, with most details currently under a gag order.

The Hamas-run health ministry claims over 23,000 deaths in the fighting, but these figures are unverified and likely include both civilians and Hamas members. The IDF reports over 8,500 operatives killed in Gaza, along with around 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on 7 October.

With inputs from agencies