Last Thursday (March 7), on the eve of the International Women Day, the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong and Israel’s Hadassah Hospital’s international arm organized a special event to mark the “End the Silence” global campaign on the sexual violence against women on October 7.
In his remarks, Consul General of Israel in Hong Kong Amir Lati said there are clear evidences that during the terrorist attack of October 7, Hamas used rapes and sexual violence in a large scale against Israeli citizens. Such crimes mostly resulted in the murder of the victims.
Currently there are 134 Israeli hostages being held captive in Gaza by Hamas, include 19 women. Sexual assaults are being committed to them frequently. It is believed that these 19 women were not released during the hostage deal in order to prevent them from speaking out about the sexual assaults they are suffering during their captivity.
Mr. Lati said it's important especially on the eve of the International Women Day, that the clear voice of these horrific sexual crimes that took place on that infamous day of October 7 should be heard.
Mr. Lati stressed a report issued just a few days ago by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, that made a definite recognition to the fact that sexual crimes were committed by the Hamas in a systematic and well-orchestrated manner as well as to the fact that these sexual crimes are ongoing daily towards Israeli women and men that are still held hostages by the Hamas.
Israel calls for the immediate convening of the UN Security Council with the aim of designating Hamas as a terrorist organization and the imposition of international sanctions on it.
Mr. Lati urged the relevant parties across the globe - including international organizations, supposed human rights groups, academic institutions, and women's groups founded to be a voice for victims of sexual assault - that have refused to stand up for the Israeli victims so far, to end their silence and help put an end to the atrocities that Israeli women are going through in the captivity of the Hamas.
Hadassah International also initiated their campaign entitled “End the Silence” that includes the signing of a petition to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging him to ensure that the UN conducts a thorough, independence, unbiased investigation and pursues vigorous prosecution for these war crimes.
The event also featured speakers from Israel, via zoom, including obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Mijal Luria, who elaborated the life-long trauma of the few victims who survived, and raised the awareness of such crimes.