In an annual report, the United Nations expressed its strong condemnation of the escalation of sexual violence associated with conflicts during the year 2023. The cruelty and brutality carried out by the Israeli occupying forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip took a prominent place in this horrifying report.

According to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, cases of conflict-related sexual violence have terrifyingly increased over the past year, as political and security crises have worsened, weapons and militarization have proliferated, leading to the exacerbation of these horrific crimes.

The report included disturbing information indicating that the Zionist entity committed brutal sexual assaults against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza following the outbreak of conflicts. Cases of arrests accompanied by beatings, torture, and humiliation, including heinous sexual assaults such as kicking of genitalia and threats of rape, have been documented.

The report also confirmed the existence of similar acts of violence committed by Israelis in the Gaza Strip during the ground operations carried out by the entity in response to the Al-Aqsa turmoil. The horror did not stop there, as the report found compelling information indicating that Palestinian hostages in Gaza were subjected to sexual assaults and torture, indicating the continuity of these atrocities.

These horrifying reports come within the context of the escalating sexual violence associated with conflicts in other parts of the world as well. Some African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries have witnessed an increase in cases of rape and sexual assault, whether by armed forces, armed groups, or organized crime.

These reports reflect the serious challenges facing the international community in combating conflict-related sexual violence.