Gulf Group at UN Welcomes Inclusion of Israeli Occupation in Sexual Violence Report

Strategic Insights -

The Gulf Group at the United Nations has welcomed the inclusion of the Israeli occupation in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on sexual violence during armed conflicts. The decision was described as a "first and essential step" toward accountability and recognition of violations committed against the Palestinian people. The report covers the period from January to December 2024 and highlights the ongoing use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, terror, and political repression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gulf Group at the UN has welcomed the inclusion of the Israeli occupation in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on sexual violence during armed conflicts, describing it as a "first and essential step" toward accountability and recognition of violations committed against the Palestinian people.
  • The report covers the period from January to December 2024 and highlights the ongoing use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, terror, and political repression.
  • Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, condemned the Israeli occupation's refusal to allow UN officials access to the occupied Palestinian territory, calling this an "unacceptable obstruction" of investigative efforts.
  • The Gulf Group expressed support for the Secretary-General's recommendations, including sanctions such as travel bans, asset freezes, and the recognition of sexual violence as a standard criterion for sanctions regimes.
  • The statement also called for vetting of armed and security forces to exclude perpetrators and for binding provisions against sexual violence in ceasefire and peace agreements.
  • The Gulf Group emphasized the importance of deploying Women Protection Advisers with sustainable UN funding, alongside survivor rehabilitation and awareness programs.

Statistics:

  • The report covers the period from January to December 2024.
  • The Gulf Group condemned the Israeli occupation's refusal to allow UN officials access to the occupied Palestinian territory, citing an "unacceptable obstruction" of investigative efforts.
  • The group also drew attention to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar, where entire communities have endured collective trauma from widespread sexual violence, often with ethnic targeting.
  • The Gulf Group expressed support for the Secretary-General's recommendations, including sanctions and binding provisions against sexual violence in ceasefire and peace agreements.

Sources:

  • Kuwait News Agency (August 20, 2025)
  • United Nations Secretary-General's report on sexual violence in armed conflict (2024)
  • UN Security Council session on Women, Peace and Security (August 2025)