Israel Added to UN Sexual Violence in Warzones List for the First Time

Israel put on UN sexual violence – The United Nations has included Israel in its list of countries linked to sexual violence in warzones, marking a first for the nation. This decision follows a report by the Secretary General’s office, which detailed 31 verified instances of such violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Of these, 13 occurred in 2025, while 18 were recorded in the preceding two years. The report emphasizes that these cases represent “indicative of incidents and patterns” rather than a complete record, underscoring the ongoing nature of the issue.

Israel has strongly contested the allegations, declaring its intention to sever diplomatic ties with the Secretary General’s office. The Israeli delegation at the UN, led by Ambassador Danny Danon, accused António Guterres of promoting antisemitic narratives. Danon asserted that the accusations were “lies” spread to undermine Israel’s reputation. This stance has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the report highlights a consistent pattern of abuse rather than isolated incidents.

Verified Cases and Their Nature

The UN report outlines specific instances of sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, forced nudity, and genital assault. These acts were committed by Israeli military, police, and prison service personnel, targeting 14 men, seven women, nine boys, and one girl. While the report does not claim to be exhaustive, it presents a compelling case of repeated violations. The UN also noted that Israeli authorities had impeded its investigations, citing threats against detainees as a key barrier to uncovering the full extent of the issue.

Previously, Hamas had been listed on the “Conflict-related Sexual Violence” report, with 12 former hostages alleging abuse by their captors. However, these claims remained unverified due to limited access granted to UN investigators. Guterres had warned Israel of the need to address these allegations, placing it on “notice” to improve conditions for Palestinian detainees and investigate claims more thoroughly. The UN’s call for accountability has since been echoed in a series of high-profile incidents, suggesting a broader pattern.

Notable Incidents and Legal Responses

One of the most infamous cases involved leaked footage from the Sde Teiman detention facility, where five Israeli guards appeared to sexually abuse a Palestinian detainee. A medical professional who examined the victim later confirmed rectal injuries, supporting the claims of rape. Despite the evidence, Israel’s top military lawyer dismissed the charges in March, citing the lack of conclusive proof. This decision drew criticism from international observers, who viewed it as an attempt to shield the perpetrators.

Earlier in December, two Palestinian men shared accounts of sexual abuse during their detention in Israeli facilities. The Israel Prison Service initially dismissed the claims, stating it operated “in full accordance with the law” and was unaware of the allegations. The UN Committee against Torture, however, expressed deep concern in November, noting reports of “a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill treatment” of detainees. These claims intensified after Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October 2023, according to the committee.

The situation has also been scrutinized by media outlets. A New York Times report, based on testimonies from 14 survivors, further fueled controversy. The Israeli government responded with outrage, launching a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the report as “one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the state of Israel in the modern press,” highlighting their determination to counter perceived falsehoods.

Accountability Concerns and International Criticism

Human rights organizations have long criticized the lack of accountability for Israeli troops’ actions in Gaza. A study by the research group Action on Armed Violence revealed that nearly nine in 10 investigations into crimes committed by soldiers were closed without finding fault or resolving the cases. Out of 52 reviewed incidents, only one resulted in a prison conviction. The Israeli military defended its approach, stating it investigates “exceptional incidents” during operations and adheres to both national and international laws when necessary.

The UN’s inclusion of Israel on the blacklist has intensified scrutiny of its handling of sexual violence allegations. While the report focuses on verified cases, critics argue that the broader pattern of abuse remains underreported. The UN’s findings contrast with Israel’s assertion of legal compliance, raising questions about the effectiveness of internal investigations. Meanwhile, Russia was also added to the list for sexual violence against prisoners of war, a move that highlights the global nature of the issue.

Amid the growing evidence, the international community has called for greater transparency and action. The UN’s report serves as a pivotal moment, linking Israel to a documented history of sexual violence in conflict zones. However, the nation’s response—ranging from diplomatic defiance to legal challenges—demonstrates its resistance to external oversight. As the allegations continue to mount, the debate over accountability and the treatment of detainees in Israeli custody remains a focal point of global attention.

“The Secretary General’s report places Israel on notice, urging it to take meaningful steps to address these serious allegations,” said Guterres in a statement last year. “The pattern of sexual abuse in detention suggests a systematic approach to inflicting harm.”

The inclusion of Israel on the UN list marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding its military operations. While the nation has denied wrongdoing, the accumulation of verified cases, coupled with international condemnation, has forced a reevaluation of its policies. The UN’s efforts to document these incidents highlight the challenges faced in achieving justice, especially when faced with obstruction from the very countries under scrutiny.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, the role of sexual violence in military tactics has become a central issue. The report’s findings not only challenge Israel’s claims of legal adherence but also underscore the need for independent oversight. The nation’s refusal to engage fully with the UN’s process has sparked accusations of willful ignorance, with some arguing that the systematic nature of the abuse warrants stronger condemnation. The situation remains a flashpoint in the ongoing dialogue about accountability, justice, and the human rights practices of warring states.