The United Nations has added Hamas to its blacklist of parties that commit conflict-related sexual violence, the first time the Islamist group has appeared on the register since its 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel. In the annual report released by Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN said it found “clear and convincing information” of rape and other sexual crimes in at least six locations during the assault and in subsequent abuse of hostages held in Gaza. Hamas, the report noted, denied humanitarian access to those captives throughout 2024. The designation was based on evidence gathered last year indicating that some hostages were subjected to gang rape, mutilation and other forms of sexual violence. Investigators also cited the recovery of multiple naked or partially naked female bodies with hands bound and gunshot wounds, calling the pattern circumstantial but consistent with sexual crimes. Hamas condemned the listing as politically motivated and demanded its removal, arguing the findings relied on “Israeli narratives” rather than independent field work. While blacklisting Hamas, the UN created a new “on notice” category and placed Israel and Russia under it, citing persistent allegations that could lead to a full listing in the next reporting cycle. For Israel, UN monitors verified 12 incidents involving rape, attempted rape and genital attacks against seven Palestinian men held in prisons, along with abusive strip searches and forced nudity. Credible reports of genital electrocution, beatings and prolonged forced nudity of Ukrainian prisoners of war were cited in the case of Russia. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, welcomed Hamas’s inclusion as an overdue acknowledgement of the group’s “heinous atrocities,” and urged continued pressure for the release of hostages. Hamas reiterated its call for an international inquiry into alleged Israeli abuses. With the latest additions, 63 states or armed groups are now listed for sexual violence in conflict, and the UN warns the overall incidence of such crimes rose 25% worldwide last year.