UN officially designates Hamas on global blacklist for sexual crimes during armed conflicts, marking historic recognition of documented atrocities against hostages.
The United Nations has officially placed Hamas on its global “blacklist” of organizations responsible for sexual crimes during armed conflicts, a move Israel is calling a historic recognition of the terror group’s atrocities.
The designation comes after years of documentation of rape, gang rape, genital mutilation, and sexual abuse of hostages by Hamas terrorists, crimes described by Israeli officials as “among the most horrific humanity has ever known.”
Last year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres opposed adding Hamas to the list, but following intensive diplomatic work by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the 2025 report to the UN General Assembly includes the terror group for the first time.
In early 2024, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten reported evidence of these crimes. The new inclusion gives Hamas an official international mark of guilt, placing its actions on the same level as war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.
“These crimes are ongoing,” Israeli officials warned, noting that Hamas terrorists continue to sexually abuse hostages. “The world must act immediately to free every hostage and dismantle Hamas.”
Alongside the push for global action, Israel’s Foreign Ministry says it will continue to counter what it calls “false accusations and blood libels” aimed at the country over sexual violence claims.
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