UN's Antonio Guterres places 'Israel' “on notice” over sexual abuse claims

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised serious concerns about alleged patterns of sexual violence by 'Israeli' and Russian armed and security forces, according to his annual report on conflict-related sexual violence to the Security Council.

The report highlights cases involving genital abuse, prolonged forced nudity of detainees, and abusive strip searches reportedly used for humiliation and interrogation. Guterres cautioned that both countries could be listed next year among parties "credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other forms of sexual violence."

“These significant concerns regarding patterns of certain forms of sexual violence have been consistently documented by the United Nations,” Guterres wrote, placing 'Israel' and Russia “on notice.”

'Israel’s' UN Ambassador Danny Danon rejected the allegations as unfounded. “The UN must focus on the shocking war crimes and sexual violence of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Israel will not shy away from protecting its citizens and will continue to act in accordance with international law,” he said in a statement.

Hamas was also included in Guterres’ report as a party "credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other forms of sexual violence." Senior Hamas official Basem Naim dismissed the allegations, calling them “new attempts to use lies to divert attention from the ongoing brutal crimes committed by this fascist government and its army against our people in Gaza.”

Guterres expressed “grave concern” over credible reports of violations by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) against Palestinians in several detention facilities, a military base, and prisons.

“Cases documented by the United Nations indicate patterns of sexual violence such as genital violence, prolonged forced nudity and repeated strip searches conducted in an abusive and degrading manner,” the report stated.

While 'Israeli' authorities have engaged with the UN’s special envoy on sexual violence over the past year, Guterres noted that “limited information has been provided on accountability measures undertaken in relation to alleged incidents of sexual violence, despite witness testimony and digital evidence.”

Russia’s mission to the UN had not responded to requests for comment. Guterres highlighted “grave concern” over credible reports of violations by Russian forces and affiliated armed groups, primarily against Ukrainian prisoners of war held in 50 official and 22 unofficial detention facilities across Ukraine and Russia. Documented cases included genital violence, beatings, electrocution, burns, forced stripping, and prolonged nudity, used to humiliate detainees or extract confessions.