Top US officials meet with UN envoy to discuss her report on Oct. 7 sexual violence

Biden administration officials meet with the UN’s special envoy on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, to discuss the latter’s report issued earlier this week that confirmed the sexual violence allegations made on October 7 and by hostages held by Hamas since.

Among the officials who met with Patten are US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein and US Deputy National Security Adviser to the Vice President Rebecca Lissner.

“During the meeting, Patten detailed the scope and methodology of her team’s January 29 – February 14 mission to Israel and the West Bank and her report on the findings of this travel,” according to a White House readout.

“The White House officials conveyed President Biden and Vice President Harris’s deep concern about the horrific reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and reports of ongoing acts of gender-based violence against those in captivity,” the readout adds.

“Attendees also discussed the need for all credible allegations to be investigated and steps taken, as appropriate, to hold accountable those responsible,” it continues.

“White House officials underscored the importance of preventing harm to Israeli and Palestinian civilians and shared deep concern about the loss of innocent life in this conflict and about the disturbing reports of sexual violence.”