Israeli forces rape women in Gaza, execute others, UN 'appalled'
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Experts are shocked about reports of Palestinian women and girls being arbitrarily executed in Gaza along with their family members, even while fleeing.
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Women and their children wait for care in a hospital in Gaza. (AP)
On Monday, UN experts raised concern over "credible allegations" of grave human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
According to the information, Palestinian women and girls were arbitrarily executed in Gaza along with their family members, even while fleeing, and, on at least one occasion, women detained were allegedly kept in a cage in the rain and cold, without food.
The experts expressed they were "particularly distressed" about reports of detained women and girls being subjected to numerous forms of sexual assault, like being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers.
At least two female Palestinian detainees were raped, while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual abuse.
The experts expressed concern that an unknown number of Palestinian women and children, including girls, have reportedly gone missing after contact with the Israeli occupation in Gaza. “There are disturbing reports of at least one female infant forcibly transferred by the Israeli army into 'Israel,' and of children being separated from their parents, whose whereabouts remain unknown,” the experts said.
See this: Exclusive to Al Mayadeen: Testimonies on pregnant women from Gaza
“We remind the Government of Israel of its obligation to uphold the right to life, safety, health, and dignity of Palestinian women and girls and to ensure that no one is subjected to violence, torture, ill-treatment or degrading treatment, including sexual violence,” they added.
They called for an independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, and effective investigation into the allegations and for "Israel" to cooperate with such investigations.
Grave violations of international human rights
“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,” the experts said, stressing that those "responsible for these apparent crimes must be held accountable and victims and their families are entitled to full redress and justice."
The experts voiced deep concern regarding the arbitrary incarceration of hundreds of Palestinian women and children, including human rights advocates, journalists, and humanitarian workers, in Gaza and the West Bank since October 7.
Many have reportedly been subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, including denial of menstrual pads, food, and medicine, as well as violent beatings.
Read more: Sexual violence, abuse rampant in Israeli evacuee hotels
In Gaza, two mothers are killed per hour: UN Women
According to a UN Women study issued in January, the Israeli occupation is killing two mothers every hour in Gaza since it began its aggression on October 7.
The death toll for Palestinians in Gaza as a result of Israeli strikes has reached 29,092 Palestinians, in addition to 69,028 injuries.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported Monday, that the Israeli occupation committed 9 massacres against Palestinian families in 24 hours, killing 107 martyrs and wounding 145 people.
Israeli occupation forces continue to hinder the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to the Nasser Medical Complex. Likewise, they remain obstinate in supplying medical aid and fuel to hospitals in northern Gaza.
