The United Nations has named Israel as one of the parties credibly suspected of perpetrating rape and sexual abuse in armed conflict, in an annexe to the secretary general’s report on conflict-related sexual violence.
This year, two new names appeared on the list: Israel and Russia.
The violations included rape, gang-rape, genital violence inflicted as torture, forced nudity, abusive strip-searches, and repeated threats of rape. These crimes were committed against Palestinian detainees.
They were subjected to various forms of abuse.
The report documents a systemic lack of accountability, perpetuating a climate of impunity, which allows these crimes to continue.
Real accountability would mean bringing Israel before the International Criminal Court for the use of rape as a war crime, which is a serious violation of human rights.
International pressure could come in other forms, such as economic and diplomatic sanctions, to force Israel to take action.
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Israel still benefits from trade with other nations and participates in western institutions, but it could be expelled until it acts to end sexual violence, which would be a significant step towards accountability.
There should be compensation from the Israeli state for survivors through reparations and legal aid for those seeking justice elsewhere, which is their right.
Human rights monitors in Ukraine documented 31 cases of sexual violence by Ukrainian forces, and after these allegations, Ukraine continued to allow UN monitors access and has acted to strengthen its laws and institutions, setting an example for other nations.
The Israeli state must acknowledge that these crimes occurred and will not recur, which is essential for healing and moving forward.
For survivors, this means there is now an official archive preserved, waiting for the day when the world has the political will to act on it, and provide them with the justice they deserve.
It signals that there are witnesses, and the world is watching, which can be a powerful deterrent against future crimes.
Janine di Giovanni, a war correspondent and executive director of The Reckoning Project, says the world is watching, but now it is time for action, not just observation, to address these serious human rights violations and ensure that survivors have access to justice.
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