UNITED NATIONS - A team of United Nations experts released a report stating that there are credible grounds to believe sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel. Led by U.N. special envoy Pramila Patten, the team visited Israel to gather and verify information on sexual violence linked to the attack. The report also mentions the gathering of circumstantial evidence suggesting other forms of sexual violence, such as genital mutilation and sexualized torture. Hamas has denied these accusations.

The attack by Hamas on October 7 resulted in casualties and the capture of hostages, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israel launched operations in the Gaza Strip, resulting in further casualties. The U.N. report suggests that some hostages taken to Gaza may have been subjected to sexual violence, with indications that such acts may still be ongoing. A comprehensive investigation is deemed necessary to establish the full extent and perpetrators of these crimes.

The U.N. team also received reports of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees, particularly in detention centers in Israel, as well as during house raids and at checkpoints. These allegations were brought to the attention of Israeli authorities, who stated they had not received any complaints regarding sexual violence by their forces.

Israel has criticized the U.N.'s response to the October 7 attacks, emphasizing the need for vigorous investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence. Israeli representatives called for international pressure on Hamas to end sexual violence and release all hostages.