The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has called for Israel to be included in the United Nations’ blacklist of entities suspected of perpetrating sexual violence in conflict zones. This demand stems from what the organization describes as substantial evidence of systematic and widespread acts of sexual violence committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians, including detainees and prisoners.
The organisation’s statement highlights Israel’s consistent refusal to cooperate with United Nations investigations into allegations of rape and other forms of sexual violence since October 7, 2023. According to the Geneva-based organisation, these allegations constitute grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
The organisation has documented harrowing accounts of sexual violence, including reports of rape, sexualised torture, and the use of brutal methods against Palestinian civilians.
One of the most alarming incidents involved a Palestinian detainee who was allegedly raped by Israeli police dogs at the Sde Teiman detention facility. Lawyer Fadi Saif al-Din Bakr, who was detained for 45 days, recounted witnessing this and other acts of torture, describing the ordeal as “among the most awful things” he had experienced.
Reports also include cases where Palestinians were allegedly raped to death by Israeli soldiers. A particularly gruesome instance involves the use of an electric baton, which reportedly led to the death of a detainee. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor asserts that such acts reveal a deliberate weaponisation of sexual violence aimed at destroying Palestinian morale.
The organisation also criticised Israel’s refusal to grant access to UN investigative bodies, including the UN Special Representative on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Pramila Patten. They also accused Israel of obstructing justice to prevent the exposure of its alleged systematic use of sexual violence. Patten’s earlier reports, which recommended comprehensive investigations, have been met with non-cooperation from Israeli authorities.
Israel’s stance has also drawn criticism from international bodies. In June 2024, the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported a significant increase in sexual and gender-based violence by Israeli security forces, linking it to punitive measures against Palestinians.
Ramy Abdu, Chairman of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, condemned Israel’s actions, accusing the government of exploiting allegations of sexual violence as propaganda while committing egregious crimes. The organisation has called on the international community to support investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and to ensure accountability for those responsible.
The statement has also urged immediate measures, including granting access to international organisations to inspect Israeli detention facilities, releasing arbitrarily detained individuals, and ensuring legal representation for victims.
They further asserted that the documented acts of sexual violence, along with killings and severe mistreatment, are part of a systematic campaign aimed at the destruction of the Palestinian population. Such acts, the group contends, align with the definition of genocide under international law.
The statement concludes with a strong appeal for Israel’s inclusion in the UN’s sexual violence blacklist. “The international community must act decisively to halt these grave crimes and ensure justice for the victims,” the statement emphasised, urging a thorough investigation into the allegations and the prosecution of those responsible.
