U.N.-backed experts accuse Israel of systematically using sexual and gender-based violence in Gaza during its conflict with Hamas. Israel rejects these claims, citing bias and reliance on uncorroborated sources. The conflict has led to staggering civilian casualties and significant destruction in Gaza, raising concerns over the treatment of detainees and humanitarian crises.
Recent accusations from United Nations-backed experts claim that Israel has systematically employed sexual and gender-based violence during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These allegations come from a report by the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which Israel dismissed as relying on unverified sources and being prejudiced against the state. Reportedly, Israel has not engaged cooperatively with this commission, arguing that their findings further reflect bias within the Human Rights Council.
The commission’s investigation highlighted severe consequences in Gaza, including extensive devastation caused by Israeli airstrikes, particularly in civilian territories, leading to alarming rates of violence against women and children. In response, Israel contends it has undertaken significant efforts to minimize civilian casualties amid a war that has been temporarily halted by a fragile ceasefire, attributing civilian losses primarily to Hamas’s operational tactics within densely populated areas.
Furthermore, the commission alleged that the Israeli security forces have engaged in rape and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees, which Israel refutes, insisting it does not tolerate prisoner abuse and enforces measures against violations. Operated by former U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay, the commission’s findings may serve as critical evidence for potential war crime prosecutions at the International Criminal Court.
The conflict resumed on October 7, 2023, following a significant attack by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have led to over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, per data from Gaza’s Health Ministry, without distinguishing combatants from civilians.
In summary, recent allegations from U.N.-backed experts accuse Israel of using sexual and gender-based violence in its conflict with Hamas, which Israel vehemently denies. The investigation highlights significant destruction in Gaza and alleged violations by Israeli forces against both civilians and detainees. Despite Israel’s claims of minimizing civilian harm, the ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues underscore the complexity and tragedy of the situation in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
