UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a warning to Israel and Russia over serious allegations of sexual violence in ongoing conflicts, saying both countries could be listed next year among parties“suspected of committing sexual violence.”

Speaking on Tuesday, August 12, Guterres said there were credible concerns regarding sexual abuse by Israeli security forces and Russian troops. His annual report to the UN Security Council cited cases of sexual violence, forced nudity, and degrading searches of detainees.

Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, dismissed the allegations as“baseless,” arguing that attention should instead focus on“Hamas's war crimes, sexual violence, and the release of all hostages.”

Hamas has also denied the accusations, calling them an attempt to divert attention from what it described as“Israel's crimes.”

The allegations come amid continued fighting, with growing concerns over human rights abuses and sexual violence committed by parties on all sides of the conflicts.

Guterres's annual report is a key reference for the UN's monitoring of sexual violence in armed conflicts and can lead to naming and shaming parties in future Security Council documents. Such a designation often increases international scrutiny and pressure for accountability.

Human rights groups say the warning highlights a broader pattern of abuse in war zones and underscores the need for independent investigations to ensure justice for survivors and deter further violations.

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