Israel's ambassador to the United Nations claims his country was added to a UN blacklist alongside Hamas for alleged sexual violence in conflict zones.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has announced that his country has been included in a United Nations blacklist of sexual violence in conflict zones. This decision follows an upcoming report by the UN, which also includes Hamas. According to Danon, this is a politically motivated decision disconnected from factual realities.
In a post on X, Danon expressed strong disagreement with the inclusion, stating that Israel had provided detailed responses and invited UN representatives to visit and examine the situation firsthand. However, these invitations were reportedly ignored. The Israeli foreign ministry has announced it will sever all ties with the UN Secretary-General’s office pending a new appointment.
In August 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned both Israel and Russia that they could be added to the list of parties credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones. This decision was based on significant concerns regarding documented patterns of certain forms of sexual violence by Israeli armed forces against Palestinians. Hamas was also listed for similar allegations.
Danon has described the UN's actions as a "new low" and criticized Guterres, calling his office corrupt and politicized. The foreign ministry statement emphasized that Israel’s inclusion on this list is further evidence of the UN’s bias towards targeting Israel.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric acknowledged that Guterres remains open to dialogue with Israeli representatives but stressed the importance of addressing these concerns through proper channels. Hamas has consistently rejected the allegations against it, maintaining its innocence in any sexual violence incidents.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and international bodies over accusations of human rights violations during conflicts.
