Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gender-based Violence: Hamas

Wednesday 13 December 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bob Blackman asked about discussions on gender-based violence by Hamas since 7 October 2023.
  • Bob Blackman expressed horror over reports of sexual and physical violence against hostages.
  • Sharon Hodgson inquired if the UK would use its UN seat to secure condemnation of Hamas actions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

Reports of gender-based violence by Hamas have been documented since October 7, 2023.

Question

If she will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the Government's response to reports of gender-based violence by Hamas since 7 October 2023.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

It is crucial that the international community recognises the atrocities committed by Hamas, and that Hamas are held to account for their barbarism. That is why we are engaging with partners, including the UN, to ensure that perpetrators are held to account for their depravity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on discussions or response plans

How: Engaging With Partners, Un

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
NHS Foreign Affairs
Context

Released hostages have reported physical and sexual violence by Hamas, with the Israeli health service noting drugging to make hostages appear happy in videos.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Hostages who have been released have reported Hamas atrocities, such as being subjected to physical and sexual violence in captivity. The Israeli health service also reports that hostages have been drugged to make them look happy on videos. Will my right hon. Friend join me in condemning Hamas for doing that and in demanding that the International Committee of the Red Cross has access to every single one of the hostages immediately?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I share my hon. Friend's horror. It is extremely distressing to hear all those reports, and I do unequivocally condemn the sexual violence that is being reported. We continue to engage regularly with partners, including the UN. I will pick up the points that he raised directly with the Foreign Office to see whether we can do what he asks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for ICRC access

How: Engaging Regularly With Partners, Un

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Q3 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
Women & Equalities
Context

The UK has a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

Question

Will the UK use its seat on the UN Human Rights Council to raise the use of gender-based violence on 7 October, and to secure a clear condemnation from its members of the rape, murder and torture perpetrated against women by Hamas on 7 October?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. Yes, we will. We have raised the reports of sexual violence attacks on 7 October with UN Women and with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Answered
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