The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has urged the United Nations to add Israel to its blacklist of entities suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones. This call is based on what the organization describes as substantial evidence of systematic acts of sexual violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians, including detainees and prisoners.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has reportedly refused to cooperate with UN investigations into allegations of rape and sexual violence, which the Geneva-based organization claims are serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Documented accounts include instances of rape, sexualized torture, and brutal treatment of Palestinian civilians. A notable case involves a Palestinian detainee allegedly raped by Israeli police dogs at the Sde Teiman detention facility, as recounted by lawyer Fadi Saif al-Din Bakr.
Reports also indicate incidents where Palestinians were allegedly raped to death by Israeli soldiers, including one case involving an electric baton that led to a detainee's death. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor argues that these acts represent a deliberate use of sexual violence as a weapon against Palestinians.
The organization criticized Israel for denying access to UN investigative bodies, including the UN Special Representative on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Pramila Patten, and accused Israel of obstructing justice to conceal its alleged systematic use of sexual violence.
International bodies have echoed these concerns. In June 2024, the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported increased sexual and gender-based violence by Israeli security forces, linking it to punitive measures against Palestinians.
Ramy Abdu, Chairman of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, condemned Israel's actions, asserting that the government exploits allegations of sexual violence while committing serious crimes. The organization has called on the international community to support investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and ensure accountability.
Immediate measures urged include granting access to international organizations to inspect Israeli detention facilities, releasing arbitrarily detained individuals, and ensuring legal representation for victims. The organization contends that the documented acts of sexual violence, along with killings and mistreatment, are part of a systematic campaign against the Palestinian population, aligning with the definition of genocide under international law.
The statement concludes with a call for Israel's inclusion in the UN's sexual violence blacklist, emphasizing the need for the international community to act decisively to halt these crimes and ensure justice for victims.