“We are shocked by reports of the deliberate targeting and extrajudicial killing of Palestinian women and children in places where they sought refuge, or while fleeing,” United Nations Human Rights experts say.

“Some of them were reportedly holding white pieces of cloth when they were killed by the Israeli army or affiliated forces.”

The experts expressed serious concern about the arbitrary detention since 7 October of hundreds of Palestinian women and girls, including human rights defenders, journalists and humanitarian workers in Gaza and the West Bank.

Many have reportedly been subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, denied menstruation pads, food and medicine, and severely beaten.

On at least one occasion, Palestinian women detained in Gaza were allegedly kept in a cage in the rain and cold, without food.

Photos of female detainees in degrading circumstances were reportedly taken by the Israeli army and uploaded online.

“We are particularly distressed by reports that Palestinian women and girls in detention have been subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers.

“At least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence.”

They are concerned that an unknown number of Palestinian women and children, including girls, have reportedly gone missing after contact with the Israeli army in Gaza.

“There are disturbing reports of at least one female infant forcibly transferred by the Israeli army into Israel, and of children being separated from their parents, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

“Taken together, these alleged acts may constitute grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and amount to serious crimes under international criminal law that could be prosecuted under the Rome Statute.

“Those responsible must be held accountable and victims and their families are entitled to full redress and justice.

“We remind the Government of Israel of its obligation to uphold the right to life, safety, health and dignity of Palestinian women and girls and to ensure that no one is subjected to violence, torture, ill-treatment or degrading treatment, including sexual violence.”

They are calling for a prompt, independent, impartial, thorough and effective investigation into the allegations and for Israel to cooperate with it.

The UN report was released on 19 February 2024. The experts are Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; Dorothy Estrada Tanck (Chair), Claudia Flores, Ivana Krstić, Haina Lu and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.