Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, participated in a roundtable discussion with witnesses of the attacks committed by Hamas on October 7. The meeting aimed to gather firsthand accounts of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, documented and observed by these witnesses. A family member of a hostage currently held by Hamas was also present.
The witnesses recounted their experiences of trauma resulting from Hamas' actions and expressed concerns about the ongoing situation involving over 130 hostages in Gaza. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed her solidarity with the victims and stressed the importance of sharing these stories globally to ensure that such acts are not forgotten.
She reaffirmed "the United States’ unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorism, hostage-taking, and acts of sexual violence" and assured that efforts would continue "to secure their release and reunite them with loved ones." The Ambassador highlighted the necessity for accountability for those responsible for these atrocities.