First Thing: UN finds ‘convincing information’ that Hamas raped and tortured Israeli hostages

Interviews with released hostages suggest abuses are continuing in Gaza, a UN report says. Plus, Trump all but certain of Republican nomination on Super Tuesday

Good morning.

The UN's special envoy on sexual violence in conflict has said there is clear and convincing information" that some of the women and children held hostage by Hamas had been subjected to rape and sexualised torture.

Why didn't they speak to sexual violence survivors of the 7 October attacks? Patten said some were undergoing trauma therapy, others had relocated and some first-responder witnesses had been deployed in the army.

What about allegations of sexual assault of Palestinians in Israeli detention camps? There were allegations of assault, including invasive body searches, according to the report, though none of rape.

Why is Biden facing protest votes? The Democratic Socialists of America have backed a campaign for Super Tuesday voters to pick uncommitted" in order to express their anger over the White House's support for Israel. In Michigan last week, more than 100,000 voted uncommitted.