Canadian Expert Calls for Clarity on Sexual Violence in Palestine conflict | Today's latest from Al Jazeera”>Gaza
In a compelling call to action, an Israeli legal expert has urged Canada to lead the charge in denouncing the lack of moral clarity from international institutions regarding sexual violence against both Israeli and Palestinian women and children during the Gaza conflict.
Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, a professor of international law at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, heads the Civilian Commission on Hamas’ Crimes Against Women and Children. The group was formed following Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7, 2023, and has catalogued systematic sexual assaults, torture, and mutilation of women.
In a recent visit to Ottawa, Elkayam-Levy criticized international bodies for not recognizing these atrocities as a new form of crime against humanity. Her report, released last week, calls for such recognition, principally due to the tactical targeting of families, which exacerbates trauma and suffering.
Reviewing distressing footage from security cameras and Hamas fighters, the commission discovered disturbing similarities between the Israeli army and Palestinian groups in sexual violence, including public sexual humiliation of victims and murder of family members in front of others.
"Somehow, violence against family members is a new form of weapon in this war," Elkayam-Levy said, adding that the lack of a specific term for this crime hinders victims’ recovery.
ONU Femmes was notably slow to condemn the violence, declaring their support only after significant pressure. Elkayam-Levy believes these failures set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts. She also criticized the Canadian government’s funding of groups supporting Hamas victims on par with Palestinian women, although she acknowledges Israel’s military should also be held accountable for abuses.
Elkayam-Levy’s advocacy champions justice for all victims, regardless of nationality, noting that Western leaders often prioritize political expedience over morality. She advocates for both Hamas and Israeli soldiers implicated in sexual assaults to face prosecution.
As sexual violence against detainees continues in Israeli-occupied territories, Elkayam-Levy has criticized Israel for not adequately investigating allegations and for excluding women from its war cabinet. Hoping her work encourages international recognition and prosecution, she warns that failure could lead to further atrocities in future conflicts.
