Amnesty Cites COI Report Saying Israel Committed Gender-Based Violence and Genocidal Acts in Gaza

Amnesty Cites COI Report Saying Israel Committed Gender-Based Violence and Genocidal Acts in Gaza
……………

Amnesty International has urged urgent international action after a new report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel concluded that Israel has systematically used sexual, reproductive, and other gender-based violence against Palestinians since October 2023 and committed “genocidal acts” in Gaza.

Amnesty’s Senior Adviser on Gender, Conflict and International Justice, Lauren Aarons, said the COI’s findings highlight “the devastating impact of Israel’s genocide in Gaza” and its use of gender-based violence to oppress Palestinian women and girls, including in detention centers. She added that the destruction of homes, hospitals, maternity wards, and maternal care clinics has left women and girls disproportionately affected.

The organization said Israel’s continued blockade and its recent ban on humanitarian aid for nearly two weeks have worsened already catastrophic living conditions. Thousands of displaced women and girls remain in overcrowded shelters or tents with limited access to water and hygiene. Amnesty also cited testimonies from Palestinians who reported torture and sexual violence while in Israeli detention.

It called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, restoration of basic services, and the lifting of Israel’s siege on Gaza. Amnesty reiterated findings from its December 2024 report accusing Israeli forces of acts amounting to genocide and war crimes, while also noting violations by Hamas and other armed groups, including indiscriminate rocket attacks and civilian killings.