ALBAWABA - A group of experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Monday that an investigation must be launched into the dangerous allegations that Palestinian women and girls in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have been sexually assaulted.
According to reports, Palestinian women and girls have been summarily murdered in Gaza, frequently with family members, including their children. The experts released a statement expressing their concern over the deteriorating situation for the Palestinian women and girls of Gaza and the West Bank.
"We are shocked by reports of the deliberate targeting and extrajudicial killing of Palestinian women and children in places where they sought refuge, or while fleeing. Some of them were reportedly holding white pieces of cloth when they were killed by the Israeli army or affiliated forces,".
According to reports, many women the inmates have been subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, including denial of menstrual pads, food, and medicine, as well as brutal beatings.
Furthermore, on at least one occasion, Palestinian women imprisoned in Gaza were allegedly held in a cage in the rain and cold, without food. "We are particularly distressed by reports that Palestinian women and girls in detention have also been subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers" the experts' statement further warned.
"At least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence. Photos of women detainees in degrading circumstances were also reportedly taken by the Israeli army and uploaded online,".
The UN Human Rights Council experts urged for an independent, impartial, rapid, thorough, and effective examination of the charges, as well as Israel's cooperation in any inquiry.
"Taken together, these alleged acts may constitute grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and amount to serious crimes under international criminal law that could be prosecuted under the Rome Statute," they warned.
The Rome Statute is the July 1998 treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC), which investigates and tries individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 29,092 people, with more than 69,028 injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
