A UN envoy focused on sexual violence in conflict warned Israel that the finding of “clear and convincing information” that some hostages taken by Hamas were subjected to sexual violence “does not in any way legitimize” further violence. “In fact, it creates a moral imperative for a humanitarian ceasefire to end the unspeakable suffering imposed on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and bring about the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Pramila Patten told the UN Security Council.
