The United Nations has officially added Israeli and Russian military forces to its blacklist for sexual violence in conflict. This decision marks a significant moment, particularly for Israel, as it is the first time the country has been included in the UN's annual report on sexual violence in conflicts since the review began over 15 years ago. The UN has added Israel and Russia to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict, citing abuse by security forces.

The report highlights serious allegations against both nations, with specific mention of the abuse perpetrated by security forces. In the case of Russian forces, the report indicates that they employed multiple forms of sexual violence, and more than half of the survivors reported experiencing repeated sexual assaults. Russian forces used multiple forms of sexual violence, and more than half of survivors endured repeated sexual attacks, the report said.

The allegations against Israeli forces are particularly grave, with reports detailing that at least nine victims, mostly from Gaza, were subjected to rape or gang rape by members of the Israel Defense Forces and other security units. These claims have drawn significant international attention and condemnation. at least nine victims, mostly from Gaza, who were raped or gang raped, in some cases repeatedly, by perpetrators from the Israel Defense Forces and Israel’s prison service.

In response to the UN's findings, Israeli officials have vehemently denied the allegations. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized the UN Secretary-General, claiming that the inclusion of Israel on the blacklist equates it with terrorist organizations, which he described as an unjust comparison. “Guterres has put Israel on the same blacklist along with Hamas, ISIS and the most depraved terrorist organizations in the world.”

The inclusion of both Israeli and Russian forces on the UN's blacklist has sparked outrage from officials in both countries. The Israeli government has announced its intention to sever ties with the UN Secretary-General, reflecting the deep dissatisfaction with the report's conclusions. “We are done with this UN Secretary-General,” Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the U.N., said in a statement on social media.

As the international community continues to grapple with the implications of these findings, the UN's report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing issues of sexual violence in conflict zones. The allegations against both nations highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform in military practices.