UN puts Israel on notice for sexual violence against Palestinians

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned Israel that there is evidence of sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces, according to Reuters.

Guterres has put Israel on notice, saying that Israel's army could be added to a list of parties suspected of sexual violence as early as next year.

The crimes include incidents of genital violence, prolonged forced nudity of Palestinian prisoners, and abusing and degrading strip searches aimed at humiliation and interrogation. 

In his letter, Guterres said "limited information has been provided [by Israeli forces] on accountability measures undertaken in relation to alleged incidents of sexual violence, despite witness testimony and digital evidence of Israeli soldiers committing such violations".