UN meeting erupts over sexual violence allegations against Israel

The United Nations Security Council meeting on March 18, 2024, erupted into a heated exchange following allegations of sexual violence by Israeli forces in Gaza. The meeting, convened by Malta, focused on the report of the Secretary-General on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict. UN Special Representative Pramila Patten presented findings indicating reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault, occurred in multiple locations in Gaza during the October 7, 2023, attacks and subsequent Israeli military operations. Patten stated that "clear and convincing information" suggests sexual violence, such as rape and systematic sexual assault, occurred in detention facilities. Following Patten's presentation, Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "lies and a blood libel." He accused the UN of bias and hypocrisy, demanding an immediate investigation into Hamas. The Palestinian UN envoy, Riyad Mansour, countered by calling for accountability for alleged Israeli war crimes and sexual violence. The session concluded with a tense atmosphere, highlighting the deep divisions and the gravity of the accusations.