LONDON: Israel’s row with the UN intensified this month after the world body formally added it to a list of parties accused of conflict-related sexual violence, a move that drew a blistering rebuke from its ambassador and renewed criticism of the UN’s handling of the Gaza war.
At a June 19 General Assembly event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon berated senior UN officials for its inclusion on the list.
The clash came just weeks after reports that the UN had added Israel and Russia to its blacklist for conflict-related sexual violence, citing abuses by security forces, including the rape of male detainees.
A United Nations annual report says alleged violations against Palestinians occurred mainly during detention and interrogation. (AFP file photo)
Both countries deny their forces used sexual violence.
