Israel accused of systematic sexual violence against Palestinian detainees

An Al Jazeera investigative documentary, "Bodies of Evidence: Israel’s Darkest Weapon," alleges that Israeli military, intelligence and prison authorities have systematically employed sexual violence, including rape and the use of guard dogs, against Palestinian detainees. Former prisoner Muhammad al‑Bakri described being stripped, blindfolded, handcuffed and repeatedly raped by soldiers, with dogs forced to attack him.

The film cites testimonies from multiple survivors and experts such as UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, human‑rights lawyers and judges. It references a UN report that found evidence of systematic gender‑based violence by Israel since October 7 2023, and notes that Israel was added to a UN blacklist of sexual‑violence conflict zones. Rights organisations say no guard has been convicted; ten officers were briefly detained after a leaked video in July 2024, then released, prompting right‑wing protests.

The documentary also highlights a 2025 Israeli Supreme Court ruling that effectively legalised torture, reinforcing claims that these practices have long been tolerated by the state apparatus.