English
The United Nations has placed Israel on its annual blacklist for conflict-related sexual violence for the first time, according to the 2025 report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The decision, announced by Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon on social media, has triggered a diplomatic rift, with Danon declaring a severance of ties with Guterres. The report, which is not yet publicly released by the UN but was shared early by Israel, documents a sharp rise in sexual violence cases globally compared to 2024.
What Is the UN Blacklist for Sexual Violence in Conflict?
The UN blacklist is an annual annex to the Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence, established under Security Council Resolution 1888 (2009). It names state and non-state actors where there are credible grounds to believe they have committed or been responsible for patterns of sexual violence in armed conflict. Inclusion is a form of diplomatic pressure; no automatic sanctions are attached. The 2025 report blacklists 77 parties across 12 countries, including both government forces and armed groups.
Key Findings of the 2025 UN Report
According to the report, Israeli security forces are accused of documented patterns of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees in Gaza and the West Bank, including rape, gang rape, forced nudity, and genital violence. The report specifically cites violations at several detention facilities and a military base in 2024, detailing 'violence against the genitals, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated body searches.'
Russia was also blacklisted for the first time, with 310 verified cases of sexual violence by its forces against prisoners of war and civilians in Ukraine. Other entities on the list include Hamas, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, IS, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, and armed groups in Myanmar, Syria, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Israel's Reaction and Denial
Ambassador Danon called the inclusion a 'political campaign' against Israel, stating on X: 'We will continue to fight for the truth and expose the blood libel on every possible platform. The truth will prevail.' He claimed Israel provided 'evidence, documents, and detailed responses to every accusation' and invited UN representatives to conduct on-site investigations, but said they 'chose not to.' However, human rights organizations note that Israel has restricted UN access, including banning UNRWA and limiting journalist access to occupied territories and detention facilities.
Previous Reports and Ongoing Allegations
The allegations are not new. In April 2025, Save the Children published a report detailing torture, sexual abuse, and starvation of Palestinian children in Israeli military prisons. Previous UN reports have also documented sexual violence against Palestinian detainees. The Israeli human rights group Yesh Din compiled hundreds of reports of misconduct by Israeli soldiers in Gaza in 2024, concluding that the military only investigates when evidence and international pressure become overwhelming. Less than 1% of complaints lead to a conviction, and punishments are often lenient.
Broader Context: Global Rise in Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
The 2025 report notes a significant increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence worldwide compared to 2024. The UN documented 310 cases by Russian forces in Ukraine, alongside patterns of sexual violence by Israeli forces, and continued atrocities by groups like the RSF in Sudan. The report also again includes accusations against Hamas for sexual violence during the October 7, 2023 attack, though many details could not be independently verified due to access restrictions imposed by the group.
Impunity and Lack of Accountability
Human rights organizations have long criticized the lack of accountability for sexual violence in conflict. In Israel, a notable case involved nine Israeli soldiers accused of rape at the Sde Teiman detention facility. Security footage showed soldiers shielding the victim with large shields, and reports indicate the victim was stabbed in the anus with a sharp object. The soldiers' arrest sparked protests by far-right groups who stormed the military base. By March 2025, the last five suspects were acquitted. IDF General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who released the footage, was arrested, placed under house arrest, and subsequently removed from her post.
What Does the Blacklisting Mean?
Inclusion on the UN blacklist is primarily a diplomatic tool to shame and pressure parties into compliance with international law. It can affect a country's international standing, access to certain UN programs, and bilateral relations. For Israel, the listing adds to growing international isolation over its conduct in the Palestinian territories. The UN Secretary-General's office stated it is open to dialogue with Israel regarding the report's findings.
FAQ
Why was Israel added to the UN blacklist?
Israel was added due to documented patterns of sexual violence by its security forces against Palestinian detainees, including rape, forced nudity, and genital violence, as detailed in the 2025 UN Secretary-General's report.
What are the consequences of being on the blacklist?
There are no automatic sanctions, but inclusion serves as diplomatic pressure, potentially affecting a country's reputation, international aid, and relations with other states and UN bodies.
Is Russia also on the list?
Yes, Russia was blacklisted for the first time in 2025 for 310 verified cases of sexual violence by its forces against prisoners and civilians in Ukraine.
Has Israel been accused of sexual violence before?
Yes, multiple reports from Save the Children, the UN, and Israeli human rights groups like Yesh Din have documented sexual violence against Palestinian detainees in previous years.
Did the UN verify allegations against Hamas?
The report includes allegations against Hamas for sexual violence during the October 7, 2023 attack, but many details could not be independently verified due to access restrictions.
Follow Discussion