Israel put on UN sexual violence in warzones blacklist for first time

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Israel put on UN sexual violence in warzones blacklist for first time16 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleEmir NaderGetty ImagesIsraeli guards were caught on CCTV appearing to sexually abuse a detainee from Gaza at the Sde Teiman detention facility (pictured)Israel has been added to a UN blacklist of countries that commit sexual violence in warzones for the first time. A report by the office of Secretary General António Guterres said the UN had last year verified 31 cases of sexual violence perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. It said 13 of the cases had occurred in 2025, and 18 in the two years prior.

The UN said its report should be seen as "indicative of incidents and patterns" rather than comprehensive. Israel said it rejected allegations of sexual abuse and intended to break off relations with the secretary general's office. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, accused Guterres on Thursday of spreading antisemitic lies.

The Details

The Israeli UN mission said it will refuse contact with his office as long as he serves as head of the international body. The report said the cases the UN had verified were carried out against 14 men, seven women, nine boys and one girl. The violations included rape, gang rape, forced nudity, and violence to genitals committed by officers from the Israeli military, police and prison service.

The UN said its attempts to fully investigate the issue had been obstructed by the Israeli government and threats made against detainees to prevent abuse being reported. Last year, Hamas was added to the previous "Conflict-related Sexual Violence" report. The UN said 12 former hostages released from Gaza had made allegations of sexual violence against Hamas captors, adding it had been unable to verify the reports as the Israeli government had denied access to UN bodies to carry out investigations.

Guterres said at the time that he was placing Israel on "notice", urging it to take steps to investigate numerous allegations and improve detention conditions for Palestinians. Since then, a series of high-profile cases have suggested a pattern of sexual abuse being used against Palestinian detainees. In one now-infamous case, five Israeli guards were caught on leaked CCTV footage appearing to sexually abuse a detainee from Gaza at the Sde Teiman detention facility.

What Experts Say

A doctor who subsequently examined the man found corroborating wounds to his rectum. Despite international scrutiny of the case, Israel's top military lawyer dropped charges against the guards in March of this year. Last December, two Palestinian men told the they had experienced sexual abuse as part of torture they were subjected to as prisoners in Israeli detention sites.

The Israel Prison Service told the at the time it operated in "full accordance with the law" and was unaware of the claims described.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.