GENEVA (VINnews) — Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky used an appearance before the United Nations Human Rights Council to accuse U.N. officials of failing to adequately address allegations of sexual violence committed during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and during the captivity of hostages in Gaza.

Gritzewsky, who was abducted during the attack and later released, told council members that recounting her experience remains painful but necessary.

She said she came to Geneva to represent victims who cannot speak for themselves and to ensure the events of Oct. 7 are not forgotten.

BREAKING: Ilana Gritzewsky, who was held hostage by Hamas, just took the floor at the United Nations to confront Reem Alsalem, the UN rapporteur on violence against women. Her dramatic testimony:

Special Rapporteur, your report speaks about violence against women. Why is there… pic.twitter.com/QEF1paoIlt

— UN Watch (@UNWatch) June 23, 2026

During her remarks, Gritzewsky described suffering physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. She recounted being attacked by Hamas terrorists and said the effects of her captivity continue to impact her daily life.

Addressing U.N. Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, Gritzewsky questioned why reports focused on violence against women did not include greater attention to Israeli victims of the Oct. 7 attack.

Holding back emotion at times, she challenged the U.N. official to acknowledge the experiences of women who say they were assaulted, abused and kidnapped during the Hamas-led assault.

The appearance was organized by UN Watch, a Geneva-based advocacy group that frequently criticizes what it views as anti-Israel bias within U.N. institutions.

UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer argued that international bodies have not devoted sufficient attention to allegations of sexual violence committed against Israelis during the attack and subsequent hostage crisis.

Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Daniel Meron, also criticized what he described as efforts to minimize or dismiss the experiences of Israeli victims.

Following the testimony, Alsalem said she has publicly addressed violence against Israeli women and girls and remains willing to meet with survivors.

She also said she has sought access to Israel and Gaza in order to conduct meetings and gather information but has not received the necessary approval from Israeli authorities.

The exchange underscored ongoing disputes over how international organizations have addressed allegations of sexual violence related to the Oct. 7 attack and the broader Israel-Hamas war.