Israeli ambassador rebukes UN official over sexual violence report:Tel Aviv added to UN list for conflict-related abuse allegations

A tense exchange unfolded at the United Nations on Friday between Israel’s Ambassador, Danny Danon, and UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten. The confrontation took place in New York during a meeting marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. During the session, Danon called for Patten’s resignation, alleging that her report contributed to Israel being placed, for the first time, on a UN blacklist over allegations related to sexual violence. He argued that the report lacked impartiality and demonstrated bias against Israel. Addressing Patten directly, Danon said: “You succumbed to the pressure of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ anti-Israel stance.” He further claimed that Guterres has repeatedly criticised Israel and alleged that Patten’s findings were influenced by the same approach. UN official joined the debate After the dispute escalated, UN official Vanessa Fraser intervened. Fraser told Dannon to refrain from personal attacks. She also said that the report was based on evidence. At this, Dannon became even more enraged. He told Frazier to be quiet. Dannon said, We are a member state of the United Nations, and you are a United Nations employee. Now you will be silent. You and your shameful report will both be silent Israel and Hamas included on UN list Each year, the United Nations publishes a list of countries, military forces and armed groups facing credible allegations of conflict-related sexual violence. This year, Israel was included on the list for the first time. The report also named Hamas and several other Palestinian armed groups over allegations linked to sexual violence during the conflict. According to this report released on May 29 – Vanessa Fraser said that the report is based on verified evidence Fraser is the representative for children and armed conflict affairs. She works on issues related to children and armed conflict. This week, she released a separate report. This report mentions alleged violations against Palestinian children. The report warned that some Israeli settler groups could also be added to the blacklist. Israel is already included in the report’s ‘List of Shame’. Last month, when Pramila Patten’s report was released, Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon called it a new low. Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign ministry had announced that it would terminate all relations with UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres. Guterres’ 10-year term is ending at the end of this year.