Blinken Condemns Hamas' Sexual Violence as Unprecedented
Secretary of State Antony Blinken strongly denounces Hamas' sexual violence during the October 7 attack, criticizing those who failed to condemn it promptly His forceful condemnation emphasizes the need for action against these heinous acts
Secretary of State Antony Blinken strongly denounced the sexual violence carried out by Hamas during the October 7 attack and criticized those who have been slow or hesitant to condemn it.
"I don't understand why countries, leaders, and international organizations were so sluggish in addressing this and bringing it to the public's attention. I am relieved that it is finally being acknowledged," Blinken stated in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union." "The atrocities witnessed on October 7 are nearly indescribable and difficult for us to comprehend. We have discussed them in the past, but the sexual violence we witnessed on October 7 is unlike anything I have ever seen."
The United Nations received testimony regarding accusations of sexual and gender-based violence by Hamas at a panel hosted by Israel at the UN headquarters in New York last week. During the event, several speakers emphasized that certain human rights organizations, including UN Women, were not swift enough in condemning the reported incidents of rape and sexual violence.
When questioned by Tapper about the delayed response from the United Nations and the international community, Blinken responded, "I believe this is a question that these organizations and countries need to reflect on themselves."
House Democrats plan to introduce a resolution to condemn Hamas' use of sexual violence and rape against Israeli women. This action comes after their disappointment with the response of some left-wing lawmakers, including Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Israeli police are currently interrogating suspects and gathering evidence, including video footage, forensics, and witness testimony, in order to investigate the allegations of rape during the attacks. Witnesses to the aftermath of the attacks report that women and girls were subjected to sexual assault, torture, and murder.
CNN is unable to authenticate individual accusations and assertions. Nevertheless, numerous first responders present at the scenes of the October 7 attack informed CNN that the attacks were extremely brutal and that some female victims were discovered unclothed.
Hamas refuted the allegations of rape by its militants during the attacks in a recent statement on Telegram, condemning the perceived collaboration between certain Western media organizations and what it labeled as "misleading Zionist campaigns that propagate baseless falsehoods and accusations designed to vilify the Palestinian resistance."
Blinken warns Israel
UN meeting organizers have rejected the denial, presenting increasing evidence of rape during the October 7 attacks. This evidence includes graphic video footage of bodies, videos of Hamas fighters confessing to rape during interrogation, and testimony from Israeli police officers and witnesses to the attack and its aftermath. Speakers who prepared bodies for burial also recounted evidence of militants gang raping some victims and intentionally shooting or mutilating victims in their genital regions.
The US diplomat emphasized the need for increased protection of civilians and provision of humanitarian aid as Israel extends its operations in southern Gaza. According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 17,000 individuals have lost their lives in the territory since October 7.
Israel has implemented additional measures, such as designating safe areas in the south and focusing on evacuating specific neighborhoods rather than entire cities. However, there is a lack of coordination to ensure that humanitarian operators, especially the United Nations, can safely deliver assistance to those in need in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces issued an urgent appeal for civilians to evacuate from the main southern city of Khan Younis due to intense fighting, but the effectiveness of this instruction is uncertain due to the limited communication networks in Gaza.
In the last 24 hours, the IDF reported that it targeted over 250 sites in the Gaza Strip, including Hamas military communication sites and tunnels. Meanwhile, Hamas has claimed that 104 mosques and three historical churches have been destroyed, including the oldest mosque, the Great Omari, which they have denounced as a "heinous and barbaric crime" committed by Israel.
Blinken emphasized the need for deconfliction time, designated routes, and clear communication to ensure the safety of people before they return home. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to minimize the gap between intent and result. When asked about the timeline for Israel's current operations, Blinken stated that there have been discussions with Israel but did not offer specifics.
Blinken emphasized that it is up to Israel to make these decisions. He expressed the desire for a swift conclusion to the campaign, but also cautioned that the major military operation is just the beginning.
Blinken emphasized the need for a lasting and sustainable peace, stressing the importance of being on the right path towards achieving it. This article has been revised to include more details.
CNNs Sam Fossum, Catherine Thorbecke, Ivana Kottasová and Annie Grayer contributed to this report.
