Wednesday, May 20Wednesday, May 20Hamas and October 7 Attacks An independent Israeli investigative commission released a report on May 12, 2026, concluding that Hamas and allied Palestinian militant groups systematically used sexual violence as a central component of their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and against hostages held in Gaza. The report aligns with prior UN investigations, reinforcing claims of widespread sexual violence during the assault . Israel’s parliament has since passed a law establishing a special military tribunal to prosecute hundreds of Palestinians accused of involvement in the attack, with potential death penalty sentences. While lawmakers argue the tribunal will address national trauma, rights groups criticize it for undermining fair trial protections .
West Bank Violence and Settler Expansion Israeli settlers in the West Bank are accused of operating with impunity, presiding over what an Irish MEP described as a "brutal apartheid system" during a recent visit. The MEP’s observations align with reports of escalating settler violence, which has effectively eliminated Palestinian living space and undermined prospects for a two-state solution . EU politicians have condemned Israel’s expansion in the West Bank and the EU’s perceived inaction, warning that settler aggression is making diplomatic resolutions increasingly untenable . Meanwhile, the UN reports that Israeli military and settlers have killed at least one Palestinian child per week on average in the occupied West Bank, highlighting ongoing violence against civilians .
Palestinian Resistance and Israeli Operations The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Police uncovered a major Palestinian gang in the West Bank running a forgery ring, reflecting broader security operations targeting militant networks in the territory . Separately, Palestinians marked the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, commemorating the displacement of hundreds of thousands in 1948 and renewing calls for the right of return. Events were held in the West Bank and Gaza, underscoring persistent demands for Palestinian statehood and refugee rights . Individual cases, such as a Palestinian teen shot by Israeli soldiers near Nablus, illustrate the human toll of ongoing conflict in the West Bank .
> Background: **Report confirms Hamas used systematic sexual violence in October 7 attacks** — *9 hours ago*
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12 words neutral and aligned with the summarys key focus on the investigative findings.**](livefromeurope.eu) · *9 hours ago*
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