Israel's Systematic Use of Rape and Sexual Abuse in Prisons

The Lead

Multiple former Palestinian prisoners have given detailed testimonies describing the systematic use of rape and sexual abuse by Israeli soldiers in prisons. The allegations, which date back decades, appear to have increased since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.

The Event Details

Muhammad al-Bakri, a Gaza civil servant, specifically remembers the date of his rape: April 10, 2024, during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Al-Bakri and seven other prisoners were stripped, blindfolded, and handcuffed. They were raped by soldiers who used guard dogs during the abuse. Similar accounts have been documented by rights groups such as the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.

The Data Analysis

• A UN report published in March 2025 found evidence of the 'systematic' use of sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence by Israel since October 7, 2023.
• In May, Israel was added to the UN 'blacklist of sexual violence in conflict zones'.
• Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Israeli rights group B'Tselem have described a pervasive culture of sexual violence within Israeli forces.

The Impact Analysis

UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese stated that the intention behind the sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners was clear: not simply to inflict pain, but to destroy the victim and their sense of self-worth. The use of dehumanizing language by Israeli officials has contributed to a culture where Palestinians are seen as undeserving of human respect, leading to an escalation of brutality.

The Prediction

Despite the established pattern of rape and sexual abuse, Israel has yet to face legal censure or sanctions for its actions. The international community's failure to hold Israel accountable may embolden further abuses, while Palestinian prisoners continue to face a culture of impunity for Israeli soldiers.