UN says ‘reasonable grounds’ exist of Hamas Oct. 7 sexual violence

The United Nations envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict said in a new report Monday that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas committed rape, “sexualized torture,” and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during its surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

There are also “reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing,” envoy Pramila Patten said, who visited Israel and the West Bank from Jan. 29 to Feb. 14 with a nine-member…