UN Report Verifies Israeli Forces' Sexual Violence Against Palestinians

The United Nations’ annual annex to the Secretary‑General’s report on sexual violence in armed conflict named Israel’s military and security forces as parties credibly suspected of systematic rape and sexual torture, marking a first for the UN list of shame. The report verified 31 cases involving 14 men, seven women, nine boys and one girl, detailing brutal abuses such as gang rape, genital torture and forced nudity, primarily occurring in detention sites like Sde Teiman, Etzion, Megiddo, Ofer Prison and the Gush Etzion police station. Evidence cited includes video footage, medical reports and eyewitness testimony, while Israeli authorities have blocked further investigations and often drop charges, as illustrated by the dismissal of a 2025 assault case at Sde Teiman.

The UN also noted that, despite allegations of sexual violence by Palestinian groups during the October 7th attacks, it could not verify any Israeli victims. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in accountability and the broader climate of intimidation that hampers reporting by detainees.