Fri Mar 14 08:12:02 UTC 2025: ## UN Report Accuses Israel of Systematic Gender-Based Violence in Gaza War

**Geneva, March 14, 2025** – A United Nations-backed report has accused Israel of systematically using sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians during the recent Gaza conflict. The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in a comprehensive report released Thursday, detailed numerous allegations of rape and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees by Israeli security forces. The report also highlighted the disproportionate impact of Israeli attacks on women and children, citing the widespread destruction of Gaza, the use of heavy explosives in civilian areas, and attacks on hospitals and health facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report, calling the UN Human Rights Council an “anti-Israel circus.” Israel denies any systematic abuse and claims it takes action when violations occur. The Israeli mission in Geneva further rejected the findings, criticizing the commission’s reliance on what it called uncorroborated sources. Israel has consistently refused to cooperate with the commission, citing bias.

Commission member Chris Sidoti stated that the report concludes Israel’s actions constitute a broader effort to undermine Palestinian self-determination and even amount to genocidal acts through the systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities. While stopping short of explicitly accusing Israel of genocide, the report’s findings are likely to be used by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court.

The report does not address allegations of violence against Israelis during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack or against hostages held in Gaza. However, the Commission had previously reported on those issues separately. The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his former defense minister on war crimes charges, which they deny.

The 15-month conflict, currently paused by a fragile ceasefire, has resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and over 1,200 Israelis. Both sides accuse the other of significant human rights violations. Hamas has called for the prosecution of Israeli leaders based on the UN report’s findings.

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