The latest report from the United Nations (UN) points to Israel as responsible for various forms of sexual and gender-based violence against the Palestinian population in Gaza. According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, these accusations are false and aim to attack the State of Israel.
Some of the abuses reported in the document include the rape of detainees, humiliating treatment in detention centers, raids and checkpoints, forcing victims to undress or be photographed in degrading circumstances. It is also mentioned that Israeli forces have destroyed sexual and reproductive health facilities in Gaza, blocking the arrival of necessary medications and equipment for the well-being of pregnant women.
The responsible commission documented cases where women and girls, including pregnant women, were targeted for direct attacks by snipers, which the report qualifies as crimes against humanity and war crimes. Despite the discrepancies between Israel and the UN, the Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip has heightened tensions between both parties.
Following the UN's reproaches to Israel for its bombings against Gaza, the Israeli government declared the organization and its Secretary-General, António Guterres, as 'persona non grata', prohibiting their entry into Israeli territory. Netanyahu's government considers the UN's stance to be biased and contrary to Israel.
On February 6, Israel officially announced its withdrawal from all activities related to the UN Human Rights Council in response to the accusations in the report. Netanyahu described the body as "antisemitic, corrupt, terrorist, and irrelevant," asserting that the UN should focus on the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by Hamas instead of attacking Israel with false accusations.
