Israel Cuts Ties with UN Chief After Blacklist Over Alleged Abuse
Israel has announced it will stop all contact with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, following a controversial UN decision to include Israeli forces on a blacklist over alleged sexual violence during conflict.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, called the move “outrageous” and accused the UN of spreading false claims. He strongly rejected any comparison between Israel and Hamas, saying such a step was unacceptable.
The dispute comes after the UN released its annual report on sexual violence in conflict zones. The report lists both state and non-state actors suspected of systematic abuse in several countries. This year, Israeli forces were included alongside other groups.
According to the UN findings, there were continued reports in 2025 of sexual violence against Palestinians held in Israeli detention centers and in the occupied territories. Investigators documented cases involving men, women, and children, some dating back to 2023.
The report describes serious allegations, including rape, gang rape, forced nudity, and violent body searches carried out without clear security reasons. Some incidents were described as acts of torture. The accused perpetrators include members of Israeli military units, security forces, and prison authorities.
UN officials noted that these findings may represent only a portion of the actual cases, as access to detention facilities was limited.
At the same time, tensions on the ground remain high. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israeli forces now control around 60 percent of the Gaza Strip and aim to expand that to 70 percent, despite a fragile ceasefire in place since October 2025.
The developments have deepened international concern, raising questions about accountability, human rights, and the growing divide between Israel and global institutions.
