By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Since October 7, Project Dinah at Bar-Ilan University released its findings. The research revealed insights into a specific area of concern that has emerged. The study’s conclusions offer a new perspective on a previously under-explored topic. These findings are the first of their kind since the specified date.
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UN will add Hamas to blacklist of groups that commit sexual violence as weapon of war, and it’s a significant step, though one that’s arguably overdue. The news, which has been a long time in the making, is that Hamas will be added to a UN blacklist for using sexual violence as a weapon of war. It’s a move that reflects the severity of the accusations and the impact of the atrocities.
The question of why this is happening now, and not years ago, is a fair one. The UN’s process can be slow, hampered by bureaucracy and the need for thorough investigation. The UN has been criticized for its pace, but the fact remains that now they are taking action.
Adding Hamas to the blacklist reflects findings that sexual violence was used during the October 7th attacks, and that female hostages have also suffered. It’s a crucial distinction to make, between general sexual crimes and the deliberate weaponization of sexual violence within a conflict. The investigation into the events of that day has been ongoing, and the report confirms that sexual violence was taking place.
The UN’s draft report, however, also contains a warning to Israel. If Israel doesn’t demonstrate a serious handling of allegations and suspicions of sexual violence, it could be included in the next report. This is due to allegations regarding sexual violence by Israeli security forces against Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This emphasizes the importance of accountability on both sides and the UN’s commitment to holding all parties accountable. The Secretary-General has also noted that Israel’s refusal to grant UN inspectors access complicates their ability to draw definitive conclusions, raising “serious concerns” about the situation.
There is a high bar that the UN sets for marking a group as weaponizing sexual violence. It requires solid evidence of it being used as a tactical policy. The fact that this inclusion is happening now stems from the work of Israeli organizations. After they conducted investigations and created a report, the findings were submitted to the UN.
The UN’s action is not just about labeling, it also involves investigation. It may have been slower to move due to the need for access to Gaza and survivors. There is also a need to clarify the details surrounding the attacks.
The article also raises the point of international law, noting that civilians committing crimes like rape or kidnapping during an attack lose their protected status. The situation in the region is undoubtedly complex, and it is critical to distinguish between criminal acts and deliberate strategies.
The language used by the UN is also brought into question, and how terms are used. This can muddy the waters, and in the end, it is essential to understand the gravity of the situation.