Israel has been put ‘on notice’ that it may be placed on the United Nations’ blacklist for countries suspected of committing sexual violence in armed conflict.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has cited ‘grave concern’ over multiple allegations that Palestinian prisoners have been subjected to degrading treatment in prisons, a detention facility and a military base.
It comes as Hamas was added to the list of shame for the first time last night – marking formal acknowledgment for its crimes on October 7, 2023 and to the hostages since that attack.
Israel was not listed on the 2025 annual report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence despite the warning.
Guterres wrote to Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon on Monday citing concern over his country’s refusal to grant UN inspectors access to areas where allegations have been made.
The Secretary General said Israel must take steps to avoid being blacklisted including issuing directives against sexual violence.
Allegations cited by the UN include accounts of rape of male Palestinian detainees.
Mr Danon rejected Guterres’s allegations as ‘unfounded’ and based on ‘biased publications’.