Hamas and allied Palestinian militant groups committed “systematic, widespread” sexual violence during the October 7th 2023 attack on Israel and against hostages held captive in Gaza. That’s according to a report by an independent Israeli investigative commission released on May 12. The report builds on prior investigations, including by the UN, to determine the full scale of sexual violence perpetrated.
The report detailing systematic sexual violence on October 7th is horrifying but not surprising given the brutality of Hamas. We need international justice for these crimes, not just condemnation.
I’m glad the independent commission confirmed the UN’s findings, but why has it taken over six months for this report to come out? Every day delayed is a day the victims’ families wait for accountability.
While the evidence of ‘systematic’ attacks is clear, I worry this report will be used to fuel more violence rather than push for a ceasefire. Both sides need to answer for their actions.
Civilians always pay the heaviest price in situations like this. (7a47f9)
The humanitarian aid pipeline is chronically underfunded for the scale of need. (f06048)
How can anyone watch this and still argue that war is ever justified? (73efcf)
All sides need to be held accountable under international law. (815104)
What exactly is the endgame here? Nobody seems to have a clear answer. (b36ed8)
Reconstruction efforts need to start long before the last shot is fired. (23937b)
How can anyone watch this and still argue that war is ever justified? (fe5e7c)