UK minister: ‘Horrifying reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas’

Lord Ahmad, UK minister for the Middle East and prime minister’s special representative for preventing sexual violence in conflict, issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7. 

“Horrifying reports of sexual violence perpetrated on 7 October detail acts  against Israeli women and girls and other civilians. Sexual violence is all too often a tactic to terrorise civilians, shattering lives and leaving brutal and lifelong scars on victims, their families, and communities. The UK stands in solidarity with all of the victims and survivors of these abhorrent acts,” Ahmad said in a statement.

Numerous eyewitness have described in detail the rape committed by Hamas, including gang rape and mutilation of genitals. Hostages released from Gaza in the last ceasefire have also told of sexual violence.

“The people of Israel continue to experience the devastating impact of Hamas’ terror attack and many families grieve for loved ones who remain hostage. That’s why we are using all channels to facilitate their release,” Ahmad continued.

“We express serious concern about emerging reports of sexual violence, against both women and men, while they were held in Hamas captivity in Gaza and call for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of those still held.  The UK condemns sexual violence unequivocally and without exception. These reports must be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims,” he added.

The minister also called on the international community to be “clear in condemning sexual violence wherever it occurs, including in Israel,” following an outrage in Israel over the silence from human rights groups about Hamas’ rape.

“We stand with all victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Through our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict programmes and dedicated funding totalling £60 million, we are leading work internationally to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and strengthen justice and support for all survivors. It is also why I championed the establishment of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict to ensure we all pull together,” Ahmad concluded.