By UN experts Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories; and members of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls have voiced deep concern over reports of severe human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, calling the allegations “egregious” and “shocking.”
According to them, Palestinian women and girls have allegedly faced arbitrary executions, often alongside family members, including children, in Gaza. These acts, reportedly carried out by the Israeli army or affiliated forces, have targeted individuals seeking refuge or fleeing conflict zones. Some victims were purportedly holding white pieces of cloth, symbolizing surrender, when they were killed.
The experts highlighted the arbitrary detention of hundreds of Palestinian women and girls, including activists, journalists, and aid workers, since October 7. Many detainees have allegedly endured inhumane treatment, including the denial of basic necessities such as menstruation pads, food, and medicine. Disturbing accounts indicate that some women were held in cages exposed to harsh weather conditions without sustenance.
Moreover, reports suggest that female detainees have been subjected to various forms of sexual assault, including strip searches by male Israeli army officers. Shockingly, instances of rape have been reported, with some detainees also facing threats of sexual violence. The experts noted with concern the dissemination of degrading images of female detainees online, allegedly taken by Israeli forces.
The experts also raised alarm over the disappearance of Palestinian women and children following encounters with the Israeli army in Gaza. They highlighted reports of infants forcibly transferred into Israel and children separated from their families, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
In response to the UN experts’ statement, ICJP Legal Officer Dania Abul Haj emphasized the blatant disregard for human rights displayed by Israel in Gaza, particularly towards the civilian population, which disproportionately consists of women and children. Abul Haj criticized the UK government and other Western nations for their continued support of Israel’s military actions and urged them to focus on upholding the rights and dignity of the vulnerable population. ICJP called on the UK government to demand an immediate ceasefire, suspend arms sales to Israel, and support the UN experts’ calls for an independent, impartial investigation into the credible allegations of Israel’s violations of Palestinian women’s human rights and protections under international humanitarian law.
In addition, Gaza’s largest functioning hospital, Nasser Hospital, has been rendered “completely out of service,” according to health officials. The hospital, which was raided by Israeli forces earlier in February, “is no longer functional,” according to the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Fighting, fuel shortages, and Israeli raids have led to the shutdown of Gaza’s largest still functioning hospital, local and UN health officials reported.
The deteriorating situation has left scores of patients, including war wounded and those facing the worsening health crisis, without adequate medical care. According to health officials, about 200 patients remain trapped in the hospital without access to food or water, including 20 individuals requiring urgent referrals. The situation is dire and requires immediate intervention.
It is worth noting that, in light of the latest events, the ICJ has discarded South Africa’s request for “additional provisional measures,” emphasizing that the urgent need for the implementation of provisional measures has already been indicated in its previous order, applicable throughout the Gaza Strip, including in Rafah.
UN experts reminded the government of Israel of its obligation to protect the rights and dignity of Palestinian women and girls. They demanded an independent and thorough investigation into the alleged violations and urged Israel to fully cooperate with such inquiries.
The experts warned that the alleged acts could constitute grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, potentially amounting to serious crimes under international criminal law. They emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible and demanded justice for the victims and their families.
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