UN Experts Accuse Israel of Gender-Based Violence in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
UN-backed experts accuse Israel of systematic sexual and gender-based violence in Gaza, citing the impact on women and children amid the military conflict. Israel denies these allegations and argues the claims are based on uncorroborated sources. Furthermore, recent airstrikes in Syria and humanitarian aid to the Druze community reflect ongoing tensions and efforts to influence regional relations.
United Nations-backed experts have accused Israel of using systematic sexual, reproductive, and various forms of gender-based violence during its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported this on Thursday, noting that these actions have disproportionately affected women and children amid widespread destruction and targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. Israel’s mission to the U.N. in Geneva has vehemently rejected these allegations, arguing that the commission relies on unverified sources and maintains a biased perspective against Israel.
In the ongoing conflict, Israel asserts it has made significant efforts to minimize civilian casualties over the past 15 months, which are now momentarily interrupted due to a fragile ceasefire. The nation has attributed the warfare’s destruction and civilian fatalities to Hamas, claiming that militants operate from within residential areas, thereby complicating targeting efforts. The Israeli government currently also faces scrutiny for its refusal to participate in the commission’s inquiries.
Recent developments include an Israeli airstrike that reportedly struck a residential building in Syria, resulting in one fatality. The airstrike occurred in the suburb of Dummar, located northwest of Damascus, and was confirmed by Israel’s Defense Minister, who warned that when terrorist activities emerge, they will be met with military responses. This strike reportedly targeted members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, although these claims remain unverified by an official source from the organization.
Additionally, Israel has dispatched food aid to the Druze minority in Syria, providing 10,000 packages to foster relations within a region affected by a protracted civil conflict. This operation, coordinated with local Druze leaders, primarily benefits the southern area of Sweida. However, this assistance is met with skepticism by some Druze, who view it as an attempt by Israel to exploit internal divisions amidst the continuing instability in Syria.
The unfolding situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding the accusations of gender-based violence in Gaza and the recent military actions in Syria, highlights the complexities of ongoing conflicts involving Israel and surrounding regions. The assertions made by UN-backed experts present serious allegations against Israeli forces, which Israel refutes citing bias and unverified claims. Concurrently, the Israeli military operations and humanitarian efforts reflect its strategic priorities in shaping regional dynamics amidst internal strife within Syria and prolonged hostilities against Hamas.
Original Source: apnews.com
