What Is the UN Blacklist?

Every year, the United Nations Secretary-General releases a report on “Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.” The report identifies countries, military groups, and armed organizations accused of rape, sexual abuse, torture, forced nudity, and other forms of violence during wars or conflicts.The 2026 report includes 77 state and non-state actors. For the first time, Israeli and Russian security forces have been added to the list.

Why Was Israel Added to the Blacklist?

According to the UN report, Israeli forces were accused of serious violations during the Gaza conflict and in detention centers holding Palestinian prisoners.The report claims that Palestinian detainees faced sexual abuse, humiliating strip searches, forced nudity, and physical mistreatment during custody. The UN said it observed a “systematic pattern” of such incidents between 2023 and 2025.This is reportedly the first time Israeli forces have been formally included in the UN’s conflict-related sexual violence blacklist.However, Israel has strongly rejected the allegations. Israeli officials argued that the UN is showing political bias and ignoring crimes committed by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

What Allegations Were Made Against Russia?

Russia was added to the blacklist over allegations linked to the Ukraine war.The UN report stated that Russian security forces were involved in abuse and sexual violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in occupied areas and detention facilities.The report mentioned cases involving torture, forced stripping, electric shocks, and violence targeting detainees. According to the UN, more than 300 verified cases were documented during the investigation.Russia dismissed the accusations and called the report politically motivated.

Is Hamas Also on the List?

Yes. Hamas was already included in the UN blacklist following allegations related to the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.The UN had previously accused Hamas fighters of committing acts of sexual violence and attacks against civilians during the assault.Now, with both Hamas and Israeli forces appearing in the same report, tensions around the issue have intensified globally.

Israel Reacts Strongly to the UN Decision

Israel sharply criticized the move. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said the United Nations had “placed a democratic country and terrorist organizations on the same level.”Reports also suggest that Israel warned of limiting cooperation with some UN offices after the blacklist decision.This is not the first time Israel has faced criticism from the United Nations.Earlier UN reports on children in armed conflict had also mentioned Israeli military actions over civilian and child casualties during the Gaza war.Those reports had already increased international pressure on Israel regarding humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

What Does the UN Report Indicate Globally?

The latest UN report says conflict-related sexual violence cases increased significantly in 2025 across multiple war zones, including the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.Experts believe the inclusion of powerful countries like Israel and Russia sends a strong diplomatic message and may increase international scrutiny over wartime conduct.The move is expected to deepen political tensions between the UN and the countries involved.