UN special envoy pledges action after hearing sexual abuse testimonies of Hamas hostages in Israel

The United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, continued her visit to Israel this week by engaging with survivors of Hamas captivity.

Patten, who visited the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, heard powerful testimonies from Israeli hostages and families affected by the conflict. She has committed to utilizing all available means to secure the release of those still held by Hamas.

Her visit extended to the Shura Camp military facility, where she met with Captain (Res.) Avigail Bar Asher, gaining insights into the Military Rabbinate’s Casualty Identification Team’s challenging work. Patten’s visit, initiated by the Department for International Organizations and Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, underscores the gravity of the situation.

Touring Unit 105 of Israel Police’s Lahav 433, Patten received a briefing on the national investigation against Hamas terrorists, particularly focusing on sexual assaults. The visit aims to shed light on the crimes committed and to prompt international action against Hamas.

Earlier in the week, Patten visited the Gaza border area, engaging with eyewitnesses and survivors at Kibbutz Be’eri, Kibbutz Nahal Oz, and Re’im, where the Nova music festival witnessed a tragic massacre. Patten’s conversations with local residents and IDF reservists highlighted the atrocities suffered.

Invited to Israel to witness firsthand the gravity of the situation, Patten urged victims of sexual assault during Hamas attacks to break their silence. She emphasized the importance of justice and condemned the slow response of international organizations in addressing Hamas’s actions. Patten’s engagement aims to express solidarity with Israel, survivors, and victims’ families.

In response to criticism regarding delayed condemnation, UN Women eventually spoke out against Hamas’s actions in early December, acknowledging the gender-based atrocities and sexual violence during the attacks. Patten is expected to present her findings to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for inclusion in a report on the sexual crimes of October 7.