UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, has welcomed the decision to include Israel on the United Nations blacklist for alleged sexual violence against Palestinians. In a post on social media platform X, Alsalem said the listing was long overdue and expressed disappointment that it had taken so long to happen.

She stated that independent documentation and verification had confirmed widespread, systematic, and horrific sexual violence committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian women, men, and children. The decision follows reports that Israel announced it would cut all communication with UN Secretary-General António Guterres after being added to the list of countries linked to sexual violence in conflict zones.

Human rights organizations have previously reported extensive and systematic sexual violence during Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and against detained Palestinians, particularly in Israeli detention facilities, raising international concern.