Israel obstructs UN investigation into 7 October sex crime accusations

Israel is obstructing a UN investigation into alleged sexual violence committed during the Hamas-led 7 October attacks, according to a report by Haaretz.

The Israeli media outlet said that officials opposed an investigation as it would also look into allegations of sex crimes against Palestinians by Israelis.

Pramila Patten, the UN under secretary-general for sexual violence in conflict, requested that Israeli detention centres be investigated as condition for an inquiry into purported sexual crimes on 7 October 2023. 

The request, which was rejected by Israel, would have allowed the UN access into Israeli prisons to conduct investigations into the treatment of Palestinians held there.  

Palestinian Authority officials had initially made the request to Patten.

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