UN Secretary-General Warns of Possible Inclusion of Israel in Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones

Strategic Insights -

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the possible inclusion of Israel in the upcoming UN annual report on sexual violence in conflict zones. The report, which is expected to be published in the coming days, reveals credible information confirming that Israeli occupation forces committed crimes of sexual violence and rape against Palestinians in several prisons, a detention center, and a military base. Guterres urged Israel to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future, including issuing clear guidelines against sexual violence, establishing enforcement and disciplinary mechanisms, and granting the UN full access for monitoring and humanitarian assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN report expresses "grave concern" about the alleged crimes of sexual violence and rape committed by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians in several prisons, a detention center, and a military base.
  • The report cites specific incidents, including the assault on a detainee while being transported to the Sde Teiman detention center, which was established after the October 7, 2023, attack as a primary detention center for detained Hamas members and others.
  • Israel has claimed that military police arrested nine soldiers on suspicion of involvement in these crimes, including the rape of Palestinian prisoners.
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future, including issuing clear guidelines against sexual violence, establishing enforcement and disciplinary mechanisms, and granting the UN full access for monitoring and humanitarian assistance.
  • The steps Israel must take to avoid being included in the 2026 report include investigating every credible complaint, ensuring personal commitment from commanders, and granting the UN full access for monitoring and humanitarian assistance.

Statistics:

  • At least 9 soldiers were arrested by Israeli military police on suspicion of involvement in crimes of sexual violence and rape against Palestinian prisoners.
  • The Sde Teiman detention center was established after the October 7, 2023, attack as a primary detention center for detained Hamas members and others.
  • The UN report is expected to be published in the coming days, and will express "grave concern" about the alleged crimes of sexual violence and rape committed by Israeli occupation forces.

Sources:

  • Maan News Agency, August 13, 2025
  • Zman Israel, unnamed source ( copy of the letter obtained by the Israeli newspaper)
  • Statement by the office of Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon