UN Secretary-General's Representative to Gather Information on Sexual Violence by Hamas Forces in Israel

Pramila Patten, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, will travel to Israel on Monday, February 9, at the invitation of the Israeli government to "gather information on sexual violence" allegedly committed by Hamas militants during the attacks on October 15, as emphasized by officials in this country. The UN website stated that this UN official aims to identify supportive measures, including the implementation of justice and holding perpetrators accountable, as well as collecting, analyzing, and verifying necessary information for reporting to the UN Security Council. She will also visit the West Bank and engage in discussions with officials from the Palestinian Authority and representatives of civil organizations. The UN website emphasized that Pramila Patten's trip is not an official investigative mission. According to this report, the UN official's visit will conclude in early February, and upon her return to New York, she will explain her findings to the press. Additionally, UN reporters have stated that Hamas must be held accountable for sexual violence during the attack on Israel. Previously, two UN special rapporteurs called for Hamas to be held accountable for a number of crimes attributed to this militant group, including torture and sexual violence, during the October 15 attack on Israel. Militants from this group, supported by the Islamic Republic, killed at least 1,200 individuals, most of whom were civilians, during this attack. Israeli officials had previously accused Hamas of such actions, and police investigators in the country are also gathering evidence of sexual violence cases. Nevertheless, Hamas has denied these actions. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, in response to the statements of the two UN special rapporteurs, called on social media for the actions of Hamas in committing horrific sexual violence to be condemned immediately and explicitly. Efforts to free hostages; the CIA chief and Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials meet in Europe. The International Court of Justice decides on South Africa's request to stop the war in Gaza. Informed sources: The CIA chief discusses a second agreement for the release of hostages with Israeli officials.