Arabic version: الأمم المتحدة تضع إسرائيل على القائمة السوداء بسبب العنف الجنسي في مناطق النزاع
The United Nations has added Israel to the blacklist of sexual violence in conflict zones, prompting a strong reaction from Israeli officials. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, announced that the country would sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressing outrage over the decision. According to Al Jazeera, Danon described the report as an ‘outrageous decision’ and condemned the UN for equating Israel’s actions with those of Hamas.
The UN’s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence had previously indicated that Israel could be implicated in such allegations. Danon criticized the UN’s characterization of Israel’s military actions, asserting that the accusations are unfounded and politically motivated. The Israeli mission to the UN stated it would have no further contact with Guterres’s office as long as he remains in charge.
Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry, echoed these sentiments, labeling the UN’s decision as ‘shameful and absurd.’ He argued that the inclusion of Israeli entities in the report reflects a biased agenda against Israel. Marmorstein emphasized that the UN has deviated from its foundational principles and is targeting Israel.
The UN’s report cited credible information regarding sexual violence committed by Israeli security forces against Palestinian detainees. Reports from various human rights organizations have highlighted systematic abuse, including torture and sexual violence, faced by Palestinians in Israeli detention. Recent findings indicate that such abuses are contributing to the displacement of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank.
Relations between Israel and the UN have deteriorated significantly since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that preceded Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians. The UN chief has faced criticism from Israeli officials for his statements condemning Israel’s military operations in Gaza, leading to tensions that have reached unprecedented levels.
