“More than a human can bear”: Israel's systematic use of sexual violence
Report by OHCHR | March 2025
This report investigates systematic sexual, reproductive, and gender-based violence by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and settlers following the events of October 7, 2023. The findings highlight patterns of violence against women, children, and civilians in Gaza, alongside attacks on healthcare infrastructure and reproductive health facilities. The report emphasizes widespread human rights violations, including acts of sexual violence, reproductive harm, and attacks on civilians.
Key Findings:
- Disproportionate Impact on Women and Children
- Over 46,000 deaths in Gaza, with women and children comprising a significant portion.
- Heavy use of airstrikes and artillery in residential areas led to mass civilian casualties.
- Targeting of Women and Girls
- Verified cases of ISF snipers targeting women and children in civilian areas.
- Reports of indiscriminate shootings, including of pregnant women and those carrying white flags.
- Reproductive Violence and Attacks on Healthcare
- Maternity wards and reproductive health facilities in Gaza were directly attacked or rendered non-functional.
- The destruction of Al-Basma IVF Centre resulted in the loss of thousands of embryos, sperm samples, and eggs.
- Women forced to give birth in unsafe conditions, increasing maternal and neonatal deaths.
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
- Reports of sexual violence, harassment, and public shaming of Palestinian women by ISF and settlers.
- Men and boys subjected to sexual violence during detention and interrogations.
- Food Blockades and Starvation as a War Tactic
- Israel's blockade and control of food and medical supplies led to severe malnutrition in Gaza, especially among pregnant and lactating women.
- Increase in miscarriages and infant deaths due to malnutrition and lack of healthcare.
- Legal Implications and Calls for Accountability
- The report states these actions violate international law, including the Geneva Conventions and Rome Statute.
- The Commission calls for investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This report underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, linking Israeli military actions to systematic oppression and violence against Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children.
Member discussion