Hamas Denies Guterres’ Allegations of Fabricated Sexual Violence Claims
In a recent development, the Gaza-based resistance movement has issued a strong statement rejecting the report released by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on August 14. This report controversially places the group on a “blacklist” of entities accused of sexual crimes. The movement’s firm rejection and strong condemnation of the report raise significant questions about the credibility of the claims made.
The statement released by the resistance movement highlights several key points regarding their concerns with the UN’s findings:
- Legally Invalid Step: The resistance group asserts that the inclusion in the blacklist is legally invalid and contradicts established facts.
- Double Standards: They claim that the report reflects double standards that undermine the integrity of the international system.
- Lack of Independent Investigation: The group argues that the report’s conclusions are not based on independent and neutral field investigations and fail to meet internationally accepted standards of proof.
- Reliance on Fabricated Narratives: They contend that the report relies solely on politically motivated narratives from Israel, lacking any impartial investigation or contact with alleged victims.
The resistance movement emphasized that such a lack of thorough investigation constitutes a blatant violation of the professional principles outlined in relevant UN resolutions. They also pointed out that the UN report notably fails to include the Israeli regime on the list, despite substantial evidence documented by UN investigative commissions, independent international rights organizations, and special rapporteurs.
The statement elaborated on this point, stating, “[They] all prove that the occupation forces have committed systematic acts of sexual violence against Palestinian civilians, including rape and other forms of sexual assaults, as part of the genocidal war they are waging on the Gaza Strip.” This underscores the serious allegations against the Israeli military, which the resistance claims have been ignored in the UN report.
Furthermore, the resistance movement accused the UN of applying a double standard, compromising the principle of equality before international law. They described the politicization of UN mechanisms as a threat to their integrity, suggesting that these processes have been manipulated to absolve the occupation of its crimes rather than hold it accountable.
In light of these concerns, Hamas has called on the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to take immediate action:
- Withdrawal of the Decision: They demand the immediate withdrawal of what they consider an unjust decision.
- Independent Investigation: The group urges the establishment of an independent and impartial international investigation, overseen by a committee of international experts, into all allegations of sexual violence related to the ongoing conflict.
The resistance movement expressed that the current situation, marked by the politicization of international justice and the inconsistent application of humanitarian law, severely undermines trust in the UN system. They warned that such double standards could encourage actual perpetrators to act with impunity, further exacerbating the plight of those living under occupation.
In conclusion, the Gaza-based resistance movement’s response to the UN Secretary-General’s report highlights critical issues regarding the integrity of international investigations and the treatment of allegations of sexual violence in conflict zones. Their call for a fair and impartial investigation reflects a broader concern for justice and accountability in a highly politicized context.
This situation continues to evolve, and as more information becomes available, the international community’s response will be crucial in addressing the grievances highlighted by the resistance group.
MNA/Press TV
