What about U.N. report?
Over five months ago, the U.N. issued a report titled “‘More than a human can bear’: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023.”
I wonder how many readers of this newspaper have heard of it, let alone read any part of it.
The U.N. commission that produced this report heard from victims and witnesses of sexual and reproductive violence and medical personnel who assisted them, as well as representatives from civil society, academics, lawyers and medical experts.
I am aware of some of the content of the report, having heard it mentioned in a few interviews online, but the few details I know have prevented me from reading the entire text. I am horrified enough by the sadism I am aware of and that I know is being played out as I write this.
The report documents forced public stripping and nudity, threats of rape, and actual sexual assault. Here are some of the chapter titles: “Sexual harassment and public shaming of Palestinian women”; “Filming and photographing acts of sexual violence against men and boys during arrest”; “Sexual violence during ground operations including at checkpoints and evacuations”; “Sexual, reproductive and other gender-based violence in detention.”
This letter is for making two points: First, this sexual violence is systematic, and it is state-sanctioned. Second, our tax dollars make it possible for the Zionists to carry out this barbarity.
Most Americans are against this, but our representatives keep enabling the crimes.
KAY NEAL
Champaign
