Israel Recalls Ambassador from U.N. Over Report of Sexual Violence in Hamas Attack
In a bold move signaling escalating tensions with the United Nations, Israel has recalled its ambassador for consultations following the release of a new report implicating Hamas in sexual violence during an attack on Israel.
The U.N. report, which was welcomed in Israel, found evidence of sexual violence in multiple locations and confirmed that hostages were subjected to abuse, including rape, during the Hamas-led attack on October 7. The report also raised concerns that the abuse of hostages in Gaza may still be ongoing.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, criticized U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres for not immediately convening the Security Council to address the report and declare Hamas a terrorist organization. Despite the authority to convene the Security Council lying with the Council members, Katz accused Guterres of trying to bury the report.
In response, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric denied the allegations, stating that the Secretary-General did not attempt to bury the report. The timing of Israel’s decision to recall its ambassador was also questioned, coming just before the report’s public presentation.
While tensions between Israel and the U.N. have been on the rise, the report was praised by many in Israel, including President Isaac Herzog, who called it of “immense importance.” The Hostage Family Forum expressed concern for the female hostages still held in Gaza and urged the government to take action.
Legal scholar Ruth Halperin Kaddari noted the significance of the U.N. report in confirming the presence of sexual violence in the Hamas attack. However, the report also highlighted challenges in determining responsibility for the assaults due to the involvement of multiple groups.
In response to the report, Hamas rejected the findings as false, further deepening the divide between Israel and the U.N. on this issue. The recall of the Israeli ambassador from the U.N. underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for further action to address the reported sexual violence.
