UN Report to List Israeli Authorities Over Alleged Detainee Abuse

This year's United Nations report on sexual violence in conflict zones will include Israeli authorities in an annex of entities responsible for or suspected of carrying conflict-related sexual violence. Israeli officials confirmed the addition Thursday.

Last year's report said it had received credible information of sexual violence carried out by security forces in Israeli detention centres. Israel's ambassador to the UN said Israel is breaking all contact with the UN secretary-general. The ambassador said the decision to blacklist Israel and accuse the country of using sexual violence as a weapon of war is outrageous.

Background The UN secretary-general's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence is customarily presented to relevant states ahead of publication. Last August the report warned that Israeli authorities could be added to the list, which also includes Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Palestinians have for years reported what they describe as widespread physical and sexual violence against both men and women in Israeli detention centres. A New York Times investigation published in early May spoke with 14 Palestinian men and women who alleged they had been sexually assaulted by Israeli settlers or members of the security forces.

The Israeli mission to the UN said in a statement it will have no contact with the secretary-general's office as long as the current secretary-general serves as head of the organisation. The secretary-general's spokesman said they were aware of the remarks and that the secretary-general's door remains open.

Relations between the UN and Israel are strained and have reached an all-time low since Israel launched its war on Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks. Israeli authorities have reproached UN officials for criticising its bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian territory, which health officials say have killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, including more than 900 during the US-backed ceasefire.

The UN chief was declared personal non grata in Israel in 2024.