Media release: Embassy of Israel in New Zealand…
We are reaching out to you in light of the grave findings that emerge in the attached report of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, about sexual violence during the Hamas attack on October 7, and on the sexual violence that was used, and most likely is still being used, against the Israeli abductees in the Gaza Strip. The report calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the abductees.
The report unequivocally states that there is clear and convincing information that severe acts of sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment has been committed against hostages and has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing against those still held in captivity in the Gaza Strip. The report further states that within the October 7 massacre a pattern of intentional forms of sexual violence, humiliating, cruel and inhumane treatment was found.
The findings of the report prove once again that Hamas is a murderous terrorist organization, which committed crimes including sexual ones in a planned, deliberate and systematic manner on October 7. Despite the denials of the leaders of Hamas, the findings of the report point to a pattern of victims who were subjected to acts of rape and torture which were done in a planned and deliberate manner.
The entire international community, including the UN, must declare Hamas a terrorist organization, as acknowledged recently by New Zealand. Hamas is not yet declared a terrorist organization by the UN. This is unacceptable, especially after the publication of the report’s findings.
International organizations, headed by the UN Security Council, should hold special discussions on the report and explicitly condemn Hamas for committing sexual crimes on the scale documented. The leader of your nation should call on the UN Secretary General to address the issue.
The lack of a strong international reaction to the report, or a situation in which its content will not have real consequences for Hamas, will convey to the terrorist organization Hamas, and other terrorist organizations around the world, that its actions are acceptable, and that attacking innocent citizens using horrific means such as sexual violence are not perceived as breaking any international taboo and convention.
Leaders of all walks of life must address the issue publicly, condemn Hamas and impose sanctions on it for its conduct, in order to preserve the global consensus that sexual crimes are strictly forbidden. Ignoring such crimes now, will erode the important norms applicable everywhere and to every man and woman.
We urge you to share this critical information with your readership, contributing to the global outcry against these unspeakable acts and advocating for justice and accountability.
