Israeli activists protest at New York Times building after article exposes rape of Palestinians

Key Points:

• Dozens of pro-Israel activists protested outside the New York Times building in New York City, condemning the paper's coverage of sexual abuse allegations against Israeli soldiers involving Palestinian prisoners.
• The activists demanded the dismissal of journalist Nicholas Kristof, whose report detailed harrowing testimonies of rape and torture of Palestinian detainees by Israeli forces.
• Israeli officials and influencers accused the New York Times of perpetuating a "blood libel," with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcing plans to sue the newspaper after it defended the report.
• Human rights groups and the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry have documented and verified systematic sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli officers, including cases involving severe physical abuse and sexual assault.
• The issue has sparked controversy within Israel, including public protests supporting accused soldiers, limited legal action, and investigations into leaks of incriminating evidence related to the abuses.