Report: Evidence of Israel’s sexual violence, gang rape during war on Gaza

Israel continues to deploy soldiers, tanks, military aircraft and armored vehicles near the Gaza Border as Israeli attacks continue on Gaza on May 1, 2024. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor stressed the need for the United Nations (UN) to add Israel to the UN’s blacklist of entities suspected of perpetrating sexual violence in conflicts: “In light of substantial evidence documenting Israel’s systematic use of sexual violence, including rape and other forms of sexual abuse, as part of its broader campaign of annihilation against the Palestinian people.”

A systematic policy

In a new report issued by the organisation, which discussed this policy adopted by the occupation, it expressed concern over: “Israel’s consistent obstructions of all United Nations investigations into allegations of sexual violence since 7 October 2023.”

It noted: “These obstructions, coupled with substantial evidence indicating systematic and widespread acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians, including prisoners and detainees, constitute grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.”

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor urged that based on this: “The grounds for the inclusion of Israel on the UN’s blacklist of entities suspected of perpetrating sexual violence in conflicts are compelling.”

The report mentioned the recent revelation of Israel’s refusal to cooperate with an investigation by UN Special Representative on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Pramila Patten. According to the report:

“This refusal reportedly stems from concerns that a comprehensive investigation would expose Israel’s systematic use of mass rape against Palestinians, including women and children, as Patten had insisted that access to Israeli detention centres to investigate allegations against Israeli soldiers was a crucial requirement for the process.”

Chair of Euro-Med Monitor Ramy Abdu emphasised: “Israel’s repeated refusal to cooperate with all UN investigations into sexual violence highlights the Israeli government’s exploitation of the allegations of this grave crime as a propaganda tool to manufacture consent for its full-fledged, live-streamed genocide.”

“Israel merely uses these allegations to shame and smear critics and deflect blame from its formidable crimes against humanity,” he added. 

Reference: Mem Middle East Monitor: January 11, 2025 at 11:25 am