A United Nations report puts Israel on formal notice for credible allegations of sexual violence by armed forces, while Hamas becomes the first to be added to the UN’s official “blacklist” of perpetrators in the conflict.
At a Glance
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a warning that Israeli forces may be listed in next year’s report as “credibly suspected” of sexual violence in armed conflict, due to troubling patterns documented in detention facilities and military sites.
- For the first time, Hamas has been included in the UN’s sexual violence annex, accused of using rape and other abuses as a weapon of war during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
- The Secretary-General cited credible information of genital violence, forced nudity, and degrading strip searches by Israeli personnel—as well as limited cooperation and access for UN monitors.
- Guterres urged Israel to implement time-bound measures, including investigations, clear codes of conduct, and unfettered monitoring access.
- Israel’s UN ambassador dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and called for focus on Hamas’s actions; Hamas likewise rejected the claims.
Background: Formal Notice to Israel
In his annual Report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Secretary-General António Guterres raised alarms about credible information indicating that Israeli armed and security forces may have engaged in sexual violence—including genital abuse, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated humiliating strip searches—against Palestinian detainees in multiple facilities. This prompted a formal warning that Israel could be added to the UN’s blacklist of parties “credibly suspected” of such abuse.
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Despite some engagement, Israel has denied access to UN monitors, making definitive verification challenging. Guterres called for urgent, measurable commitments—such as internal investigations, explicit prohibitions on sexual violence, and full transparency with UN inspectors.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon strongly rejected the claims, calling them “baseless accusations” and urging the UN to instead concentrate on the sexual violence reportedly committed by Hamas.
Landmark: Hamas Added to the UN Annex
For the first time, the UN included Hamas in the annex of parties credibly suspected of sexual violence in armed conflict. This is linked to documented sexual violence during the October 7 attacks, including rape and abuse of hostages, which a UN fact-finding mission and other investigations have reported.
Israel had long advocated for Hamas’s inclusion, citing widespread evidence—most notably through efforts like the Dinah Project, which documented systematic sexual violence during the October 7 massacre.
Broader Context and Implications
Jointly, these developments reflect mounting international pressure to address sexual violence as part of wartime accountability. The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory previously found sexual violence—such as forced public stripping and genital violence—to be “standard operating procedures” by Israeli forces toward Palestinians.
Meanwhile, both sides now face heightened scrutiny. Israel has been placed “on notice” and risks formal listing, while Hamas is now officially named in the UN’s sexual violence annex—indicating that both parties may soon face broader sanctions or interventions unless corrective actions are taken.
Sources
Reuters
AP News
Times of Israel
