A damning report from the United Nations has accused Israel of committing acts of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians during the conflict in Gaza. The allegations, which were outlined in a report commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council, suggest that Israel has used sexual violence as a war strategy, targeting women, men, boys, and girls since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
According to Chris Sidoti, a member of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians. Sidoti stated that the report concludes Israel has carried out genocidal acts through the systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. He also noted that Israel had obstructed the commission’s investigations, further complicating the pursuit of justice for victims.
The Israeli government has rejected these accusations, labeling them as biased and anti-semitic. Israel claims that the Commission of Inquiry relied on “second-hand, single, uncorroborated sources” to compile the report. However, the three commissioners behind the report countered that their findings are based on the testimonies of victims and witnesses, as well as verified photos, video footage, and information from civil society and women’s rights groups. Some of these testimonies were shared during hearings in Geneva, providing a personal and human perspective to the allegations.
The report also sheds light on the alleged abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli security forces, including instances of rape and sexual violence. While Israel denies any systematic abuse of detainees, stating that actions have been taken when violations occurred, the findings of the report paint a different picture. Hamas has welcomed the report, stating that it confirms the severity of the crimes committed by Israel against Palestinians.
The implications of this report are significant, as the Commission’s findings can be used as evidence in the International Criminal Court (ICC) or other bodies seeking to prosecute Israel for war crimes. The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, both of whom have denied accusations of committing war crimes in Gaza. The international community is watching closely, as the pursuit of justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones continues to be a pressing concern.
