Israel Angered by UN Blacklist over Sexual Violence Claims

Israel has been placed on the United Nations blacklist over allegations of sexual violence in conflict zones, leading the country to sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated that Israel has cut all contact with the Secretary-General, saying: “We are done with this secretary-general.” He condemned the decision to list Israel, calling it “outrageous” to accuse the country of using sexual violence as a weapon of war and equating it with Hamas terrorists.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the inclusion in the UN’s sexual violence blacklist as “shameful and unreasonable”, accusing the UN of politicisation. Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said: “This move is further evidence of the UN’s true nature: a politicised and corrupt organisation that has abandoned its founding principles and systematically targets Israel as its primary mission.” Israel has stated it will not engage with the Secretary-General’s office while Guterres remains in post.

A UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, responded that the Secretary-General remains open to dialogue, stating: “The door of the Secretary-General remains open.”

The annual report on conflict-related sexual violence is typically shared with relevant countries before publication. In August, the report warned that Israel could be added to the list of parties suspected of sexual violence in armed conflicts. Hamas has been listed for alleged sexual violence during its 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, including torture of hostages. The UN cited “credible information” regarding alleged sexual violence by Israeli security forces against Palestinians in detention facilities, noting that UN inspectors were denied access to these sites.