The United Nations (UN) has been criticized for its perceived slow response to allegations of rape and sexual violence by Hamas militants. Israel has pressed the UN to investigate these charges, with Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan stating that the sexual violence was premeditated and planned, and criticizing the UN for being slow to respond
.UN Women responded that United Nations procedures "can appear to be slow-moving" and stated that it has been closely following reports of "brutal acts of gender-based violence against women in Israel" since the allegations first came to light. The chair of a UN commission of inquiry investigating war crimes in the Israel-Hamas war has said it will focus on the October 7 attacks and will pass along any evidence to the International Criminal Court.The UN Commission of Inquiry, set up by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, has an unusually broad mandate to collect evidence and identify perpetrators of international crimes. It is about to release a public "call for submissions" for evidence on Hamas' sexual violence.Volker Turk, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, has voiced deep concern over the allegations of sexual violence, calling on Israel to allow his team in to investigate. He stressed that justice must be served for the victims.In a statement, UN Women condemned "the abhorrent attacks by Hamas against Israel" and said it had been "closely following the reports of gender-based violence". The agency added, "We believe a full investigation is essential, so that perpetrators on all sides can be held accountable and justice can be served".In summary, the UN has expressed concern over the allegations and called for investigations, but has been criticized for its perceived slow response. The UN Commission of Inquiry is preparing to collect evidence on the allegations, and UN Women has called for a full investigation.
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