A United Nations-backed team of human rights experts accused Israel of using sexual, reproductive, and gender-based violence in its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, reported news agency Associated Press.
The report, released on Thursday, is among the most detailed investigations into such allegations since the war began on October 7, 2023. Israel has strongly rejected the claims, calling the UN body biased.
The report documents violations allegedly committed by Israeli security forces against Palestinian men, women, and children. The findings could be used as evidence in international legal cases, including at the International Criminal Court.
According to the commission, Israeli forces carried out attacks on hospitals, health facilities, and civilian areas, disproportionately affecting women and children. It also accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinian detainees to sexual violence and destroying reproductive healthcare services.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Human Rights Council an “anti-Israel circus” that supports terrorism. Israel’s UN mission in Geneva also rejected the findings, arguing that the commission relied on second-hand and unverified sources. Since the commission’s formation in 2021, Israel has refused to cooperate with its investigations, citing bias.
Hamas, in response to the report, urged international courts to prosecute Israeli leaders. The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials for alleged war crimes. The court has also issued a warrant for Hamas’ military leader, who was later confirmed dead.
The war in Gaza began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
