‘More than human can bear’: UN report documents Israeli sexual violence against Palestinians during Gaza war

CAIRO – 15 March 2025: A recent report by the United Nations Human Rights Council has accused Israel of "systematic use of sexual, reproductive, and other gender-based violence" during the ongoing war in Gaza, which has persisted since October 2023.

The report, titled "More than a human can bear …" details various violations against Palestinian women, men, and children, accusing Israeli security forces of rape and sexual violence.

Chris Sidoti, a member of the commission, told reporters that “Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination.”

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the council, the UN body behind the report, calling it an "anti-Israel circus."

The findings may aid as evidence for prosecutors at the International Criminal Court and other jurisdictions.