What's happened
A UN report exposes sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7 attack in Israel, with evidence of ongoing abuse against hostages in Gaza. Israel urges the UN to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, emphasizing the need for immediate action and the release of hostages.
Why it matters
The UN report on sexual violence by Hamas highlights the heinous crimes committed during the attack and ongoing abuse against hostages. Israel's call for Hamas to be recognized as a terrorist organization underscores the urgency for justice and the release of captives.
What the papers say
The Independent emphasizes the UN envoy's call for a humanitarian cease-fire to end the suffering in Gaza, while The Times of Israel focuses on Israel's push for Hamas to be declared a terrorist group. Contrasting views highlight the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict.
How we got here
The October 7 attack by Hamas in southern Israel resulted in mass casualties and hostage-taking. The UN report sheds light on the sexual violence perpetrated during the attack and ongoing abuse against hostages, prompting calls for accountability and action.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Israel Katz is an Israeli politician who currently serves as a member of the Knesset for Likud and Minister of Finance. He has previously held the posts of Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Intelligence and Minister of Forei
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António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres GCC GCL is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who is serving as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations. Previously, he was the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees between 2005 and 2015.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.