A recent report states that Israeli hostages who have experienced sexual assault by Hamas in Gaza may face the difficult decision of whether to continue with their pregnancy or seek termination after their release.
Israel's Ministries of Welfare and Health are currently developing comprehensive strategies to address the potential issue of unintended pregnancies among women who were abducted by terrorists following the tragic Oct. 7 attacks.
Israeli Hostages Impregnated by Hamas
Demonstrators hold posters of women being held hostage in Gaza during a rally in London on December 3, 2023 to protest against what they consider a conspiracy of silence over alleged rapes and other sexual crimes committed by Hamas militants during the October 7 attacks. Israel and Hamas fought for a third day since a seven-day truce expired. Hamas militants from Gaza launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. In response, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and began an air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 15,200 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Hamas government.
In Israel, there is a current discussion among officials about potentially streamlining the process for granting abortion requests for pregnant former Hamas hostages. This would involve bypassing the usual pregnancy termination committee in order to reduce administrative hurdles.
Per NY Post, over 130 Israelis are still being held by Hamas, including young women and teenage girls. Disturbing reports indicate that some may have experienced sexual abuse, both during the initial attacks and while in captivity. These allegations are supported by graphic videos that have been circulating online.
A collaborative effort between civilian authorities and the Israel Defense Forces is underway to establish a comprehensive program aimed at providing medical and psychological support to sexually abused hostages. This initiative will cater to the needs of women at various stages of pregnancy, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.
The Wolfson hospital in the city of Holon is fully prepared with infrastructure and protocols in place to receive freed captives.
During the initial phase, healthcare professionals will carefully evaluate every patient for any potential injuries. Additionally, if a patient is identified as pregnant, they will assess the progress of the fetus.
During the second stage, individuals who were previously held captive by Hamas will be provided with support to help them cope with the psychological effects of their ordeal. At that point, individuals will need to make a decision regarding their pregnancy - either considering termination if it is still a safe option for the mother, or continuing with the pregnancy.
The government will provide financial, legal, and mental health support to women who choose to keep their babies. During a discussion in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Tuesday, Chen Almog-Goldstein, 49, who was released from captivity after more than 50 days in Gaza, shared that there have been concerning health issues among some of the younger female hostages.
Some girls have experienced a prolonged absence of their menstrual cycle. She expressed hope that their bodies would provide protection and prevent pregnancy resulting from rape.
As they urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and foreign leaders to take immediate action to secure the release of the remaining hostages, family members of the female captives emphasize the growing concern that the longer their loved ones are held captive, the greater the possibility of unintended pregnancies.
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Israel Reveals Hamas' Brutal Treatment to Hostages at ICJ
Israel presented its testimony to the United Nations' International Court of Justice, highlighting the brutalization of its victims by Hamas.
"They committed horrific acts of violence, inflicting torture on innocent victims, including children and their parents. They showed no mercy, burning people alive, even infants. Their actions were unspeakably cruel, as they systematically raped and mutilated countless women, men, and children," said Tal Becker, an Israeli legal advisor.
Israel presented its testimony to the United Nations' International Court of Justice, highlighting the brutalization of its victims by Hamas.
"They committed horrific acts of violence, inflicting torture on innocent victims, including children and their parents. They showed no mercy, burning people alive, even infants. Their actions were unspeakably cruel, as they systematically raped and mutilated countless women, men, and children," said Tal Becker, an Israeli legal advisor.
The Israeli military discovered mutilated female bodies following the Oct. 7 attacks.
"Frequently, women would enter wearing only their undergarments. Sometimes we had people who - we just had a torso, okay - or they were very decomposed or they were mutilated ... I saw very bloody genitals on women," shared reservist Shari Mendes, as reported by Reuters.
Mendes also pointed out the presence of what appeared to be a consistent pattern of genital mutilation. According to CNN, Mendes said that the team commander witnessed female soldiers being injured in sensitive areas such as the crotch, intimate parts, and breasts.
In December, a former hostage drew a striking comparison between her experience in Hamas captivity and the atrocities of the Holocaust
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