United Nations adds Israel to blacklist of sexual violence in conflict zones on 28 May 2026; Israel cuts ties with UN chief Antonio Guterres

Exam-focused facts from the 29 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The United Nations (UN) added Israel to its blacklist of parties suspected of sexual violence in conflict zones, prompting Israel to cut ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon denounced the decision as outrageous and accused the UN of spreading lies against Israel.
The UN secretary-general’s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence had warned in August 2024 that Israel could be added to the list.
Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, stated that adding Israel to the blacklist was 'long overdue'.
The UN cited 'credible information' regarding sexual violence committed by Israeli security forces against Palestinian detainees and noted that UN inspectors had been denied access to facilities.