Israeli women and girls have suffered horrific sexual violence from Hamas. Where is the outrage? | Deborah Lipstadt and Michèle Taylor

The lack of condemnation of these appalling crimes is not only unjust - it is a sign of deeper biases that must be addressed

• Deborah Lipstadt is the US special envoy to combat antisemitism, and Michele Taylor is the US ambassador to the UN

During the Hamas attacks of 7 October, Israeli girls and women - ranging from young children to elderly people - were subjected to gang-rape and humiliating sexual assaults. Some of their corpses were violated. Hostages who have been released have reported on sexual violence that they and other captives endured while being held in Gaza. We, as human rights advocates in the fight against gender-based violence and antisemitism, were deeply troubled - and remain so - by the slow response of international organisations, governments and civil society to these horrific occurrences.

Some groups initially hesitated, or posted and then retracted the information, citing the need for further evidence in a situation where obtaining such documentation is inherently challenging. This reaction is in stark contrast to the global gender-based violence movement's typical emphasis on the importance of listening to and believing survivors' accounts.

Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt is the US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism. Ambassador Michele Taylor is the US permanent representative to the UN human rights council

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html

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