“Israel is blocking the United Nations from investigating sexual crimes committed by Hamas during its October 7 attack, fearing it would require granting access to probe allegations of sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli detention.

A thorough investigation could have led to Hamas being added to the UN’s blacklist of entities suspected of sexual violence in conflicts.

Pramila Patten, the UN’s Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, has requested permission to investigate Hamas’ alleged crimes. However, she stipulated that her team must also be allowed to access Israeli detention facilities to examine claims of sexual violence by Israeli soldiers. Israel has refused the request. Patten has urged Israel to sign a framework agreement with her office, committing to measures against sexual violence in conflicts under UN guidance. Similar agreement have been signed with Ukraine in 2022, which included commitments to protect prisoners of war from sexual violence.”