Media Contact:
Lilly Freemyer
hadassah@rational360.com
202-669-0998
NEW YORK, NY – In response to a United Nations report finding “clear and convincing information” of rape and sexualized torture being committed against hostages kidnapped during the October 7 terror attacks and evidence of sexual violence, including rape in multiple locations, Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz released the following statement:
“It has been 150 days since Hamas invaded Israel and kidnapped over 250 civilians. The UN-released report today confirms, as others have found, that female hostages kidnapped and held by Hamas were, and likely continue to be, subjected to sexual violence, torture and abuse. Despite the overwhelming information presented, blatant misinformation continues to spread – even from reporters at the press conference – perpetuating a grotesque denial that any of the horrific sexual attacks took place. The UN must take greater action to condemn Hamas for weaponizing sexual violence, to ensure the immediate release of Hamas’ hostages, and to hold Hamas accountable for these war crimes.
“In the wake of this report, it is outrageous to hear UN officials suggest the Commission of Inquiry, a body comprised of individuals with a clear track record of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, should be the agency to conduct a formal investigation into these crimes. Hadassah continues to call on international leaders to end the silence around Hamas’ use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and demand justice.”