Sandra Ifrah, spokesperson for Women United for Peace, previously stated that 67 different sperm samples were found on a hostage held captive by Hamas.
The statement was made by the renowned feminist activist, known for her support of Israel, during her appearance on the "180MinutesInfo" show on the French channel CNEWS on February 7. This occurred following her attendance at a memorial ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, commemorating the French victims of the events of October 7 last year.
It was announced that 42 French citizens were killed in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. President Macron stated that France is working towards the "liberation" of the three French individuals who are still being held hostage by the Palestinian resistance.
During the ceremony, he also emphasized France's commitment to equality for all lives, indicating that the Elysée Palace intends to erect a "memorial monument" honoring the French victims of the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
Baseless Allegations Regarding Sexual Assault Incidents
In the video shared by the CNEWS channel, Sandra Ifrah addressed the situation of Israeli hostages in Gaza, garnering over two million views. She alleged that women had been kept in tunnels for four months, subjected to rape, torture, humiliation, and assassination. She further claimed that there was a 13-and-a-half-year-old hostage who needed to be aborted. She further claimed that another hostage had 67 different sperm samples found on her.
Following an investigation by Misbar, it was revealed that the statements made by the French activist were unsubstantiated and lacked reliable sources. Neither Western nor Hebrew media outlets had reported on the alleged assaults mentioned by the activist. Moreover, there have been no documented cases of pregnancies resulting from rape among the 120 hostages who returned from captivity at the end of November. Additionally, there is no evidence to support the claim that 67 sperm samples were found in any released hostages.
Nevertheless, Israeli news reports since last January have indicated preparations in Tel Aviv for the possibility of hostages still held by Hamas being pregnant. However, this possibility is not based on any concrete indicators or evidence that rape incidents have occurred in captivity. So far, no reliable source has confirmed any cases of rape during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
Misbar had previously refuted claims alleging that the captive Maya Regev was raped during her detention by Hamas.
Sandra Ifrah Issues an Apology for Her Statements
Following the controversy sparked by her remarks, Sandra stated, "I regularly receive dozens of testimonies and information." She further expressed on her X account, "Under the influence of emotion, when I left the ceremony, I conveyed hearsay on the microphone. It was a mistake, and I apologize." She continued, "We will be more vigilant in the future."
Despite her apology, as of the time of drafting this report, CNEWS continues to share these statements, which lack substantiated evidence. It is noteworthy that the French channel, renowned for its significant viewership ratings, remains subject to ongoing criticism for its right-leaning bias in France and its promotion of anti-immigrant rhetoric.
What Is the United Women for Peace Association?
The association was established in the aftermath of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, carried out by the Al-Qassam Brigades on October 7 of last year in the Gaza envelope, and the subsequent war waged by Israel on the Gaza Strip. The association claims to advocate for peace, mutual assistance, and the defense of women’s rights.
However, its publications shared on its website and social media accounts primarily focus exclusively on the issue of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. It also shares calls to purchase candles as part of a donation campaign, with proceeds going to Kibbutz Erez, located in the Gaza envelope. Notably, the association has not taken a stance advocating for a ceasefire or an end to the war, and it has not mentioned Palestinian victims in any of its various publications.
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