NEW YORK – In response to Monday’s release of a UN report on sexual violence linked to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder issued the following statement:
“Pramila Patten, the UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict, has finally confirmed what we have been broadcasting to the world since Hamas’ barbaric October 7 attack on Israel: That Hamas has used sexual assault, including rape and gang rape, against both adults and children as a tactic of terror.
“The UN report’s findings are as clear as day. No longer can world leaders stay silent about these atrocities, which Hamas may still be inflicting upon the remaining hostages.
“We wish that the conclusive UN report were issued sooner, but it is never too late to acknowledge the truth and pursue justice.
“Now, the United Nations must leverage its global influence and every resource at its disposal to designate Hamas as a terror organization. The UN also must go beyond merely issuing this report and take crucial additional steps to ensure that the voices of all the victims of Hamas are heard, to secure a world free of sexual violence and to tirelessly advocate for the release of all hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.”