Israel added to UN blacklist for alleged wartime sexual violence
Israel has been added to the United Nations’ blacklist for parties accused of conflict-related sexual violence, prompting sharp condemnation from Israeli officials and further deepening tensions between Israel and the UN, as reported by Middle East Eye via AFP on May 28th.
Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon confirmed the move on May 28th, calling the decision “political” and accusing the UN of losing credibility. According to reports in Israeli media, the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) will appear on the blacklist in 2026, while other Israeli institutions remain under review.
The blacklist forms part of the annex to the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, which identifies state and non-state actors suspected of patterns of rape or sexual abuse during armed conflicts.
Israel reacted strongly to the decision, with reports suggesting the country has frozen relations with the office of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Danon criticised the inclusion, arguing that Israel had been placed alongside groups such as Hamas and the Islamic State.
The decision follows months of allegations and investigations into the treatment of Palestinian detainees held by Israeli forces since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Human rights organisations, UN investigators, and media outlets have documented accusations of rape, torture, starvation, and degrading treatment in detention facilities.
Last year, a UN inquiry accused Israeli authorities of using sexual violence and sexualised torture as a method of oppression against Palestinians. Israeli rights group B’Tselem also described the country’s prison system as a “network of torture camps”, alleging repeated sexual abuse by guards and soldiers.
Former detainees have provided testimonies describing severe mistreatment while in custody. Some alleged they were sexually assaulted during interrogations or abuse sessions while blindfolded and restrained.
According to reports, at least 100 Palestinian prisoners have died in custody since October 2023, with deaths occurring in both military detention centres and facilities operated by the IPS.
The UN blacklist currently includes 63 state and non-state actors, including Hamas. Parties listed generally remain on the report for at least one year while investigations and monitoring continue.
Middle East Eye via AFP, Maghrebi.org
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