UN Adds Israel to Annual Blacklist for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

The United Nations added Israel to its annual blacklist of parties accused of committing sexual violence in conflict zones on May 28, 2026. The move is part of the UN Secretary-General's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, which lists parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence in armed conflict. Israel's inclusion marks a significant diplomatic development and was immediately condemned by Israeli officials and allied governments as politicized and factually unfounded. UN investigators cited findings related to October 7 captives who were held in Gaza as well as reports from Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. Human rights organizations welcomed the listing while noting it came more than two years after the conflict began.