UN blacklists Israel, Russia for conflict-related sexual violence

The United Nations has placed Israel and Russia on a blacklist for suspected sexual violence in conflict zones, a significant escalation from last year when both nations were put "on notice." The decision, outlined in UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' annual report, details "harrowing descriptions of abuses" attributed to Israeli and Russian armed and security forces.

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This is a political decision! Disconnected from the facts and reality!

Israel's Foreign Ministry reacted strongly, calling the move "political" and "disconnected from the facts and reality." The ministry announced it would sever all ties with Guterres' office, stating they would wait for a new UN Secretary-General to be appointed. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed outrage on social media, comparing the ranking of Israel with Hamas, which was already on the blacklist, as a "new low."

The report's compiler, Pramila Patten, confirmed Israel had invited UN representatives to visit, but disagreements over the scope and access, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Gaza, led to the invitation's suspension. The US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, criticized the decision, deeming it "ridiculous" to equate Israel with terrorist organizations like Hamas.

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Given that Antonio Guterres has chosen to violate every standard of honesty, integrity and professionalism, Israel has decided to sever all ties with the Secretary-General’s Office and will wait until a new UN Secretary-General is appointed.

While being blacklisted does not automatically trigger sanctions, it can inflict significant reputational damage. Nations repeatedly listed are also barred from UN peacekeeping operations. The report's findings were welcomed by Ukraine's foreign minister.

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it was "ridiculous for the UN to put a democracy like Israel – with robust rule of law that conducts investigations and holds criminals accountable – on the same level as terrorist organisations like Hamas."