UN puts Israel on notice for sexual violence against Palestinians

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned Israel, saying there is evidence of sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces, according to Reuters news agency.

Guterres has put Israel on notice, saying that Israel’s army could be added to a list of parties suspected of doing so, as early as next year.

The crimes include incidents of genitalia violence, prolonged forced nudity of Palestinian prisoners, and abusing and degrading strip searches aimed at humiliation and interrogation. 

In his letter, Guterres says Israel did not cooperate with UN investigators, saying that “limited information has been provided on accountability measures undertaken in relation to alleged incidents of sexual violence. Despite witness testimony and digital evidence of Israeli soldiers committing such violations”.