Russia and Israel Slam UN Report

The United Nations annual report on sexual violence in conflict zones has sparked major controversy after it included the names of Russian and Israeli forces. Both countries strongly reacted to the report, which for the first time in nearly 15 years mentioned Israel, citing alleged violence by its troops in Palestine.

Russia was also included for the first time following allegations that its soldiers committed sexual violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war. Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia strongly rejected the claims, calling the report biased and accusing it of portraying Russia as a villain. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon criticized the report, saying Israel is being wrongly equated with groups like ISIS and Hamas. The report comes ahead of the end of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ term in December.