Following UN report on sexual violence, Hostage Forum pushes Netanyahu to close deal

The Hostages Family Forum reacts to the release of UN report earlier today that found “reasonable grounds to believe” Hamas terrorists perpetrated sexual violence during the terror group’s October 7 massacres, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal for the release of hostages held by terror groups in Gaza.

“What more needs to be said or done for Netanyahu and the cabinet members to be determined to stop the cruelty that the female hostages and male hostages endure day after day?” the forum says in a press release.

“It’s glaringly obvious that the female hostages are going through hell every moment, every minute,” the statement adds.

Presenting her team’s report earlier today, Pramila Patten, the UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict, said that hostages held in Gaza by Hamas since October 7 were likely subject to “sexual violence including rape, sexualized torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment,” and that her office believes such treatment may be ongoing.

“The people of Israel will not forgive Prime Minister Netanyahu and the cabinet if they fail to put an end to the horrific acts the hostages have already endured for 150 days,” the press release adds.

The hostages were taken when thousands of Hamas terrorists burst into Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping another 253, mostly civilians, over half of whom remain in Gaza.