Collins, Bipartisan Group Introduce Resolution Calling for Investigation into October 7 Sexual Violence

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced a Senate resolution calling on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to open a formal investigation into the acts of sexual violence and sexual torture committed during and after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The Senators also urged the international community to hold the perpetrators accountable.

A recent U.N. report found there are “reasonable grounds” that sexual violence and sexual torture occurred during and after the attack on Israel, leading the Senators to demand the UNSC formally open an investigation.

“Hamas' use of sexual violence as a tool of warfare during the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel must be condemned unequivocally,” said Senator Collins. “I urge my colleagues to join this bipartisan effort calling on the United Nations to investigate these atrocities. It is imperative that we unite against these barbaric acts to hold Hamas accountable, support survivors, and provide justice for victims.”

The Collins-Graham-Gillibrand-Britt-Blumenthal-Ernst resolution:

• Calls upon the United States to insist that the United Nations Security Council open an official investigation into the sexual violence and sexual torture committed during and after the attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023.
• Demands that the international community hold accountable those who perpetrated acts of sexual violence and sexual torture during and after that attack.

The full resolution can be read here.

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