The United Nations has taken a historic step by including Israel on its blacklist of parties credibly suspected of perpetrating sexual violence in armed conflict. This move, alongside Russia, marks a significant shift in international scrutiny. The evidence, meticulously documented by UN investigators between 2023 and 2025, details sexual abuse inflicted on 31 Palestinian detainees—14 men, seven women, nine boys, and one girl—held in Israeli military bases, prisons, and detention centers. Violations include rape, gang-rape, genital torture, forced nudity, abusive strip-searches, and threats of rape. Perpetrators include the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Prison Service.
Systemic Impunity
The report highlights a systemic lack of accountability, perpetuating a climate of impunity. A notable case involves five soldiers indicted for physical assault, with charges of sexual assault dropped despite medical and video evidence. This follows years of documentation by Israeli and international human rights organizations like B'Tselem, which describes the prison system as a network of torture camps.
International Response
Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, dismissed the report as lies, comparing Israel to Hamas. However, the UN listing carries consequences: states on the blacklist are barred from UN peacekeeping missions, and the UN requests access to detention facilities. Russia, despite denying access, faces economic and diplomatic sanctions. Israel, still benefiting from international trade and participation in institutions like the OECD and the Olympics, could face expulsion until it addresses sexual violence.
Real accountability would involve the International Criminal Court, but Israel is not a signatory. Nonetheless, survivors deserve reparations and legal aid, and the Israeli state must acknowledge these crimes and ensure they do not recur. Ukraine, after allegations of sexual violence by its forces, allowed UN monitors access and strengthened its laws. Israel should do the same.
For survivors like Yousef, a Palestinian journalist who endured torture in an Israeli prison, the UN listing is a step toward recognition. But as war correspondent Janine di Giovanni notes, the world must move beyond watching to acting. The blacklist signals that witnesses exist; now, political will is needed to ensure justice.
