Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israeli Victims of Sexual Abuse by Hamas

Wednesday 20 March 2024 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Nicola Richards asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on supporting Israeli victims of sexual abuse by Hamas.
  • The Government expressed deep concern over reports of sexual violence against Israeli women since 7 October.
  • The UK raised concerns at the UN Security Council about women not trusting the UN to share their experiences of sexual violence.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nicola Richards
Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

Israeli victims are facing sexual violence and abuse since 7 October, causing concern about their safety and the support they receive from the government. Families of hostages have been meeting with government officials.

Question

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for Israeli victims of sexual abuse by Hamas. I am concerned about the reports of sexual violence since 7 October in Israel and Gaza, where many hostages face daily threats of rape, assault, and violence. The families of these hostages have been meeting government officials recently.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

This Government are appalled by reports of sexual violence since 7 October in Israel and Gaza. I am working closely with Cabinet colleagues on the issue. We have been meeting with families of hostages, both male and female, who face daily threats of rape, assault, and violence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions or actions taken to support victims were not detailed

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Q2 Nicola Richards
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

A UN report confirmed that Israeli women were subjected to sexual violence on 7 October, and there are concerns about whether victims can trust the UN enough to discuss their experiences. The previous question highlighted the need for a voice and respect for these victims.

Question

The United Nations recently reported confirming that sexual violence was used against Israeli women on 7 October. Last week I raised concerns with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that women did not feel they could trust the UN enough to speak about their experiences. What can my right hon. Friend do to encourage the international community to unite in calling out sexual violence and those who deny it happens?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Following calls from the UK, Lord Ahmad attended the UN Security Council last week to express deep concerns about the findings of the UN special representatives on their recent visit. The UK leads work internationally through the preventing sexual violence initiative and has dedicated £60 million to prevent conflict-related sexual violence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to encourage international community unity were not detailed

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