A United Nations-backed commission of human rights experts has accused Israel of systematically using sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence in its war against Hamas in Gaza. The report, one of the most extensive on this issue since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, documents violations against Palestinian women, men, and children.
It also alleges that Israeli security forces committed acts of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees, though Israel has denied any systematic abuse. The commission argues that these actions are part of a broader effort to suppress Palestinian self-determination.
Israel Rejects UN Allegations Amid Potential International Legal Consequences
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the findings, calling the Human Rights Council, which commissioned the report, an “anti-Israel circus” that supports terrorism. Israel’s mission in Geneva rejected the allegations, accusing the commission of relying on unverified sources and maintaining a biased stance.
Since its establishment in 2021, Israel has been refused to cooperate with the commission, arguing that it is unfairly targeting the country. Israeli authorities have also denied accusations of genocide and maintained that they take significant precautions to minimize civilian harm during military operations.
The findings of the report could have legal consequences, as they may be used as evidence in the International Criminal Court (ICC) or other judicial bodies seeking accountability for war crimes. The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israel’s former defense minister, as well as for a Hamas military leader.
The commission claims that Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure, particularly reproductive health facilities, could be classified as genocidal acts. However, it stopped short of directly accusing Israel of genocide, a charge that advocacy groups and some rights experts have previously made.
Heavy Civilian Casualties and Conflicting Allegations in the Ongoing Gaza War
The report also highlights Israel’s extensive destruction of Gaza, including the use of heavy explosives in civilian areas and attacks on hospitals and health facilities. It states that these actions have resulted in disproportionate violence against women and children.
The war, which has lasted over 15 months, has led to over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel justifies its military operations by pointing to Hamas’ tactics of embedding militants in civilian areas, including hospitals, a claim denied by Palestinian health officials.
The conflict began when Hamas-led militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israeli authorities and international experts have accused Hamas fighters of committing widespread rape and sexual violence during the attack and in the captivity of hostages.
A UN envoy previously reported having “reasonable grounds” to believe these allegations. However, the commission’s recent report focused solely on Israel’s actions in Gaza and did not investigate Hamas’ alleged crimes against Israeli civilians.