A United Nations-backed report has accused Israeli forces of engaging in sexual, reproductive, and gender-based violence against Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The findings, released on March 13, 2025, document extensive destruction, civilian casualties, and attacks on medical facilities.

The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory alleges that Israeli security forces committed sexual violence, including rape, against Palestinian detainees. Israel has denied the accusations, asserting that it does not engage in systematic abuse and takes action against any misconduct.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report, calling the UN Human Rights Council an “anti-Israel circus” and accusing it of bias. Israel’s mission in Geneva also rejected the findings, citing unverified sources and a lack of credible evidence.

Hamas has urged international courts to prosecute Israeli leaders based on the report’s findings. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, accusing them of war crimes, which they deny. Hamas’ military leader also faces an ICC arrest warrant but was confirmed dead in late 2024.

The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, following decades of Israeli occupation and blockade that have severely impacted Palestinian lives. In response to continued restrictions and military actions against Palestinians, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel. Israeli forces retaliated with a large-scale offensive, resulting in massive civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. The Palestinian people have long endured displacement, violence, and systemic oppression, with the latest war exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The report highlights attacks on medical infrastructure and civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The report has intensified global scrutiny, with both sides facing allegations of war crimes. As legal bodies assess accountability, the international community remains divided over the conflict and the pursuit of justice.

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