UN Report: “More than a human can bear: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence”
A report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
I wanted to share this new report because, predictably, Western media is ignoring or downplaying it. But it’s hugely important, so I talked about it today at a peace demo, and decided to share what I read out. I do apologise that much of my wording has been hastily cribbed from other commentators just before I left to attend the demo, so view these for the full picture:
A report by the United Nations has found that Israel uses rape and torture against men, women and children as weapons of war; the intent being not just to humiliate and torment the victims, but to instil fear in the wider civilian population and drive them from their land. In other words, these are not just individual crimes against humanity but part of a psychological warfare effort against every Palestinian person.
From stripping Palestinians naked to spitting and urinating on them, inserting fingers, electrical rods, carrots, broomsticks, and other objects in their anuses, to raping them to death, the new UN report has listed horrifying details of sexual abuse of the Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli military and Israeli settlers alike.
The 49-page report titled “More than a human can bear: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023” was published on two days ago, March 13, by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The report highlights how rape and violence to genitals were often carried out under explicit orders and such behaviours were encouraged by senior military leadership. It talks of a culture of impunity in which Israeli soldiers know they are free to rape and torture without repercussions. It details story after story of rape and sexual violence that it was able to verify.
The UN commission stated: “The frequency, prevalence and severity of […] crimes perpetrated across the Occupied Palestinian Territories leads the commission to conclude that sexual and gender-based violence is increasingly used as a method of war by Israel to destabilise, dominate, oppress, and destroy the Palestinian people.”
Soo heartbreaking to continually learn of these horrors inflicted on the Palestinian people without international action and outrage ! The evidence is clear . There are no doubts - yet still inaction and lack of retribution towards Israel . Disgusting monsters .
And yet...nothing is done.