UN Human Rights Council report on Israel sparks denial campaign and criticism of bias

Influencers on Instagram are using “information laundering” to cast doubt on UN findings that sexual violence occurred on Oct 7, citing selective quotes that claim UN reports found no evidence of rapes by Hamas. The UN Special Representative for sexual violence, Pramila Patten, concluded that clear and convincing information demonstrates that sexualized violence, including rape and genital mutilation, was committed by Hamas and other groups.

The UN Human Rights Council repeatedly issues reports that single out Israel, most recently a 94‑page commission report accusing Israel of deliberately targeting children and committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and even genocide. Critics note the Council has a permanent agenda item on Israel, a double standard not applied to other states, and argue the allegations lack verifiable evidence.