The experts also said there was convincing information that some Israeli hostages taken to Gaza had been subjected to sexual violence. Furthermore, Israel is accused of pushing Gaza into famine.
The UN team of experts also indicated in its recent report that it had received information from institutional and civil society sources, as well as direct interviews in the West Bank, about sexual violence committed by Israeli defense forces against Palestinians. Both parties reject the accusations.
The Israeli military’s postings of underwear and mannequins are not of a severity comparable to the alleged crimes against women reported since October 7. However, two legal experts said they likely violate international law.
Ardi Imseis, assistant professor of law at Queen’s University in Canada, said the messages violate Article 27 of the 4th Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of civilians in times of war.
Article 27 states that civilians have the right to respect for their honor, family rights, manners and customs, and that they must be protected against insults and public curiosity, and that women must be particularly protected against any attack on their honor.
In Israel, the military’s posts attracted little attention, said Oren Persico of Seventh Eye, a website that covers Israeli media. On the other hand, messages showing weapons or Hamas flags allegedly found in homes in Gaza were widely circulated.
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