America News Agency

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced that it welcomes Israel being included among parties responsible for rape and other forms of sexual violence in armed conflict settings, in the UN Secretary-General’s report on “conflict-related sexual violence”.

The ministry statement said the report documented several cases of sexual violence against Palestinian women, men and children, and alleged that Israeli practices against the Palestinian people have long been a documented systematic policy.

The report also detailed cases including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, forced stripping and threats of sexual violence.

The ministry further called for investigations into actions by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities and for their assessment within relevant mechanisms.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to take steps to protect Palestinians, activate accountability and sanctions mechanisms, and establish comprehensive medical, psychological and social support programs for victims.