UN Chief Warns Israel and Russia Over Alleged Sexual Violence by Armed Forces

New York, August 13 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a warning to Israel and Russia that their armed forces and security personnel could be placed on the UN’s list of parties “credibly suspected” of committing sexual violence in conflict zones, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

In his annual briefing to the UN Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence, Guterres said both countries risk being named next year if credible evidence of such abuses continues to surface.

Addressing Israel, the UN chief expressed “grave concern” over reports of violations by its armed and security forces against Palestinians held in multiple prisons, a detention facility, and a military base. UN-documented cases allegedly reveal patterns of abuse, including genital violence, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated strip searches conducted in degrading ways.

Due to Israel’s refusal to grant UN monitors access, Guterres said it remains difficult to confirm broader patterns and trends. However, he urged the Israeli government to take immediate action to stop all forms of sexual violence, investigate credible allegations, enforce clear codes of conduct for security personnel, and grant unrestricted access to UN investigators.

In March, a UN-backed inquiry accused Israel of the systematic use of sexual, reproductive, and other gender-based violence against Palestinians. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry documented multiple violations affecting men, women, and children, including allegations of rape and sexual abuse of detainees.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, rejected the allegations as “baseless” and “biased,” urging the UN to focus on what he called the “war crimes and sexual violence of Hamas” and the release of hostages. He insisted Israel would continue to protect its citizens within the framework of international law.

The Israeli military previously confirmed that in July 2024, nine soldiers were detained for questioning over the alleged sexual abuse of a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman prison in Gaza. Media reports at the time claimed the prisoner was hospitalized with severe injuries after an alleged gang rape by guards.

Regarding Russia, Guterres said he was equally troubled by credible accounts of sexual violence committed by Russian armed forces, security personnel, and affiliated groups, largely targeting Ukrainian prisoners of war. Incidents were reported in 50 official and 22 unofficial detention sites in both Ukraine and Russia. Documented abuses reportedly included genital electrocution, beatings, burns, and forced nudity — tactics allegedly used to humiliate detainees and extract information.

The Russian mission to the UN did not respond to requests for comment, and Guterres noted that Russian authorities have not cooperated with his special envoy on the matter.

If such violations continue and cooperation remains absent, both Israel and Russia risk formal inclusion on the UN’s list of violators in the coming year.