The Palestinian Prisoner Society called Sunday for Israel to be held accountable for what it described as the “systematic” use of sexual violence and torture against Palestinian detainees. While welcoming the UN’s decision to place Israel on its blacklist of parties credibly suspected of conflict related sexual violence, the organization argued that additional action is necessary. They stated that documentation and condemnation alone are no longer sufficient and called for meaningful accountability measures and an end to impunity.

The UN Security Council released a report in April verifying cases of conflict-related sexual violence acts against Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. The report concluded that Israeli security forces were suspected of committing acts of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees and noted concerns of a lack of accountability. Documented violations included rape, gang rape, forced nudity, threats of sexual abuse, and other forms of sexual misconduct. Additionally, investigators were reported to have faced several obstacles in obtaining access to detainees and detention and interrogation facilities. Furthermore, the report stressed that these war crimes are likely not isolated events, but rather a method to strip Palestinians of their dignity and humanity.

According to the Palestinian Prisoner Society, more than 9,400 Palestinian and Arab prisoners remain in Israeli custody. The organization alleges that detainees continue to face abuse and mistreatment and urged members of the international community to support efforts aimed at securing accountability and protecting the rights of prisoners.