Jeddah: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed a United Nations report that includes Israel on a blacklist of parties accused of conflict-related sexual violence. The OIC described the move as a major victory for Palestinian victims and stated that international accountability should now be established in this matter.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said that the annual report of António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, includes Israeli authorities and institutions. According to the report, based on information verified by the United Nations, witness testimonies, and available evidence, they are suspected of following a pattern of sexual violence during the conflict.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said that this step is an important legal and humanitarian initiative toward ensuring justice and accountability. According to the organization, the report is a significant international document that sheds light on alleged systematic violations and crimes committed against Palestinian detainees and civilians.
The organization called for legal action to be taken based on the findings presented in the report and demanded that accountability also be established for alleged war crimes and acts of genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) appealed to the international community to take concrete measures to stop Israel’s ongoing actions, hold those responsible accountable under international law, and provide international protection to Palestinians.
This development comes at a time when various reports by the United Nations and human rights organizations have documented cases of rape, sexual abuse, and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. These reports mention several detention facilities, including Sde Teiman Detention Facility
Meanwhile, according to Israeli media reports, efforts were made to prevent the decision to place Israel on the blacklist, but the decision was made nonetheless. Following this, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, announced the suspension of relations with António Guterres in protest against the decision.