Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) has announced that his country is freezing cooperation with the Office of UN Secretary General (SG) Antonio Guterres, following a decision to include Israel in the annual report on conflict-related sexual violence.
The report, which has not yet been officially released by the UN but was distributed to correspondents by the Israeli Mission, lists both state and non-state parties responsible for sexual violence in armed conflict.
Israel and Hamas are among those listed, alongside actors in other conflict regions including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mali, and Libya.
In listing Israel, the report cited violations including rape, gang rape, physical violence to the genitals, and forced nudity, among other violations against detained Palestinians.
Hamas was also listed following allegations of sexual violence made by hostages held after the October 7 attack.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said the listing was a moral disgrace and that it demonstrated the UN’s Gutteres had lost all credibility. He said Israel was suspending all co-operation with the SG’s office.
A Spokesperson for Guterres said the Secretary General’s door remained open to Israel.
—SABC—
