Israel Condemns UN Blacklist Decision

Israel has been added to a United Nations blacklist of parties accused of sexual violence in armed conflict, marking the first time the country has appeared on the list. The designation places Israel alongside groups such as Hamas and has further strained already tense relations between Jerusalem and the UN.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the decision as politically motivated and detached from reality. He said Israel had responded to all allegations and had offered UN officials the opportunity to investigate conditions on the ground.

According to Danon, it is unacceptable to place Israel in the same category as Hamas.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres had warned last year that Israel could be added to the list following allegations concerning the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli facilities.

In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that it would suspend all relations with Guterres’ administration until a new UN secretary-general takes office.

Hamas has previously appeared on the same blacklist over allegations of sexual violence during its 7 October 2023 attack on Israel – accusations the group denies.

(reuters, max)