U.N.-backed experts accuse Israel of systematic sexual and gender-based violence in Gaza, while Israel denies these allegations. The Commission’s report highlights disproportionate violence against women and children amidst the ongoing conflict. Additional reports detail an Israeli airstrike in Syria and humanitarian aid to the Druze minority.
On Thursday, United Nations-backed experts accused Israel of employing systematic sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence in its military actions against Hamas in Gaza. In response, Israel’s mission to the U.N. in Geneva dismissed these allegations, claiming that the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory relied on uncorroborated and biased sources. Israel maintains that it has been taking necessary precautions to protect civilian lives during the ongoing conflict.
The Commission’s report investigated extensive destruction within Gaza, the use of heavy explosives in densely populated civilian regions, and assaults on healthcare facilities. It concluded that such actions resulted in disproportionate violence directed at women and children. Israel has attributed civilian casualties to Hamas, as militants operate within residential areas, complicating military operations.
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in Dummar, a suburb of Damascus, resulting in one reported fatality. Syria’s state news agency reported the strike, while Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the attack and warned that any organized terrorist activity directed against Israel could provoke further responses.
Additionally, Israel has distributed food aid to the Druze minority in Syria, delivering approximately 10,000 packages in collaboration with local leaders. The Israeli Foreign Ministry indicated that this initiative aims to strengthen ties with the Druze during Syria’s transition from civil war, although some within the Druze community have rejected Israel’s gestures. Critics suggest that these actions are aimed at undermining Syria’s stability amidst current turmoil.
In a broader context, the report by the Commission accused Israeli security forces of engaging in sexual violence against Palestinian detainees, a claim Israel denies. The Commission, led by former U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay, aims to gather evidence that may be used to prosecute potential war crimes before international bodies, including the International Criminal Court. The ongoing conflict, which escalated following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with overwhelming impacts on civilians in Gaza.
This article outlines serious allegations made by U.N.-backed experts accusing Israel of committing sexual and gender-based violence in its military actions in Gaza. In turn, Israel rejects these claims, citing reliance on biased and unverified sources. Additionally, recent military activities, such as airstrikes in Syria, and humanitarian efforts towards the Druze minority are highlighted. The ongoing conflict has severely affected civilians, raising critical concerns regarding human rights violations in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
