The United Nations has released its annual report on sexual violence in conflict zones, which has sparked widespread international controversy following the inclusion of both Russian and Israeli armed forces in its findings for the first time in this context.
According to the report, Israeli forces have been cited for alleged sexual violence during ongoing military operations in Palestine, based on what the UN described as credible evidence. The inclusion marks a significant shift, as Israel had not featured in such listings for nearly 15 years.
The report also alleges that Russian military personnel have committed acts of sexual violence against women and prisoners of war amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These findings have intensified scrutiny of conduct by armed forces in active war zones.
Both Russia and Israel have strongly rejected the allegations and criticized the United Nations report. Russia’s UN representative Vassily Nebenzia dismissed the document as politically motivated and accused it of fabricating claims to portray Russia negatively on the global stage.
Israel’s envoy Danny Danon also condemned the report, asserting that the Israeli military operates under democratic principles and should not be equated with terrorist organizations. He further expressed strong disapproval of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, escalating diplomatic tensions with the United Nations.