UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Alleged Systematic Use of Sexual Violence in Palestine

“This dual failure reinforces a system in which violence against Palestinians is tolerated, if not enabled,” the experts said.

A group of United Nations human rights experts has issued a stark warning over what they describe as the systematic use of sexual and gender-based violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, raising concerns that such acts are being used as tools of control, intimidation, and displacement.

In a strongly worded statement, the experts expressed "grave concern" that sexual violence is increasingly embedded in the daily realities of Palestinians living under occupation, citing multiple independent investigations and recent UN findings.

"Israeli sexual violence has become embedded in Palestinians' daily lives under occupation," the experts said, describing the phenomenon as "intersecting, structural and systematic," and alleging it operates as a mechanism of subjugation and dispossession.

Allegations Across Multiple Contexts

According to the experts, incidents of sexual and gender-based violence have been reported in a wide range of settings, including detention facilities, checkpoints, house raids, and encounters involving both Israeli security forces and settlers.

They referenced earlier assessments, including a February 2024 analysis and a March 2025 report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. That report found that various forms of gender-based violence have been used "to terrorise" Palestinians and sustain a broader system of oppression.

The experts emphasized that such violations are not only harmful at an individual level but also contribute to wider patterns of displacement by creating what they describe as a "coercive environment" that compels communities to flee.

Impact on Health and Social Fabric

The statement also highlighted the destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, which UN investigators say has led to serious health consequences, including complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as long-term impacts on mental health and reproductive outcomes.

"Sexualised violence is deployed as a method of domination — to instil fear, punish, and fracture communities," the experts said, noting that stigma and social isolation can further compound the harm experienced by survivors.

They added that such conditions may contribute to broader social fragmentation and undermine community cohesion.

Concerns Over Accountability and Impunity

A central concern raised by the experts is what they describe as a persistent lack of accountability. They pointed to what they say is a pattern of limited investigations and absence of prosecutions in cases involving alleged abuses by Israeli personnel, as well as incidents involving settlers.

"This dual failure reinforces a system in which violence against Palestinians is tolerated, if not enabled," the experts said.

They further stated that, under international law, some of the alleged acts could potentially constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, particularly when linked to patterns of forced displacement.

Call for International Action

The UN experts called on Israel to immediately halt all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure accountability for perpetrators. They also urged the international community to take "concrete steps" to address the situation, in line with obligations under international law.

Their appeal referenced the International Court of Justice's July 2024 advisory opinion on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which outlines responsibilities of states in responding to violations.

"Sexual violence cannot be treated as incidental harm," the experts said. "It is a central component of the system of oppression."

Context and Ongoing Scrutiny

The statement adds to a growing body of international scrutiny surrounding human rights conditions in the region. It reflects increasing concern among UN bodies and independent experts about the humanitarian and legal implications of ongoing developments.

As with previous UN expert communications, the findings are based on collected testimonies, documented reports, and independent investigations. UN Special Rapporteurs and experts operate independently and their statements do not represent official UN positions but are intended to inform global dialogue and policy responses.

The situation remains highly contested, and calls for independent verification, accountability, and diplomatic engagement continue to intensify at the international level.