A report by the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has accused Israel of using “systematic sexual, reproductive and other gender-based violence” against Palestinians in its war with Hamas in Gaza.
The report, released Thursday, examines allegations of widespread destruction, heavy explosives used in civilian areas, and Israeli attacks on hospitals and health facilities. It says these actions led to “disproportionate violence against women and children.”
The commission documented cases of rape and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees and accused Israeli security forces of committing these crimes. Israel denies any systematic abuse of prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the report, calling it an “anti-Israel circus” with bias against Israel. However, experts say the findings could be used to prosecute Israel’s leaders in international courts.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, accusing them of war crimes. A Hamas statement urged international courts to prosecute Israel’s leaders.
The report also found that Israel’s actions led to genocidal acts through the destruction of healthcare facilities. The commission stopped short of accusing Israel of genocide, but experts say the evidence is mounting against the country.
The allegations come as tensions between Israel and Hamas remain high. A fragile ceasefire has paused the 15-month war, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-03-13/un-report-accuses-israel-of-sexual-violence-against-palestinians-netanyahu-claims-anti-israel-bias