A group of United Nations experts say claims of Palestinian women and girls being sexually assaulted and raped while held in Israeli detention are "credible allegations".
The UN-appointed group of special rapporteurs this week called for a full investigation into the allegations, and "for Israel to cooperate with such investigations".
"At least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence," the experts said in their report.
Reem Alsalem, the UN's expert on violence against women and girls, said the extent of alleged sexual abuse could be higher.
"We might not know for a long time what the actual number of victims are," she said.
Alsalem said women and girls were often hesitant to report sexual assault due to fear of revenge.
"I would say that, on the whole, violence and dehumanisation of Palestinian women and children and civilians has been normalised throughout this war," Alsalem said.
Meanwhile, there was also evidence of Hamas fighters sexually violating Israeli women and girls during the October 7 raids in south Israel.
According to Israel's Association of Rape Crisis Centers, sexual assaults and other abuse by Hamas fighters was "systematic and intentional".
Those assaults were also condemned by UN experts at the time.
What else did the UN's special rapporteurs say?
"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," said the experts in a joint statement.
"Some of them were reportedly holding white pieces of cloth when they were killed by the Israeli army or affiliated forces."
The experts also said "degrading" photos of female Palestinian detainees, reportedly taken by Israeli soldiers, had been posted online.
What has the response been?
Israel's government hit back at sexual violence allegations against Palestinians, calling them "despicable and unfounded claims".
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, said the Biden administration had asked Israeli authorities to investigate the claims.
"Civilians and detained individuals must be treated humanely and in accordance with international humanitarian law," said Miller.
"We strongly urge Israel to thoroughly and transparently investigate credible allegations and ensure any accountability for abuses and violations."
The estimated number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has reached almost 30,000 since October 7, while approximately 1200 Israelis died in Hamas' October 7 attack.
