TAKE ACTION FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS AFFECTED IN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL

Gender is a significant determining factor in how violence manifests. Women, girls and gender expansive people are disproportionately affected by war, with severe impacts on their health, safety, and human rights—the current crisis in Israel and Palestine is no exception.

In Hamas' attacks on Israel, The Civil Commission on Oct 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children (a nongovernmental commission investigating crimes perpetrated against women and children on Oct. 7) reported that the militant group inflicted rape and sexual assault on women and girls in Israel. Many women were killed, taken hostage, and tortured, and have still not been freed by Hamas. Israel reported over 1,300 people dead, including many women and children, thousands of people injured, and 240 people taken hostage. Sexual and gender based violence is a weapon of war to systematically terrorize and demoralize communities, asserting power and control over individuals through heinous acts that inflict lasting physical and psychological scars, fostering a climate of fear and instability.

In Gaza, the compound effect of the Israeli occupation and the pre-existing patriarchal norms within Palestinian society has led to an increased risk of gender-based violence for women and girls. Elderly women, especially those with disabilities, face the highest levels of negligence and violence (UN Women 2023). Repeated exposure to military escalations also leaves trauma in its wake, with a 2021 study showing 70% of Gazans demonstrating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (UN 2021).

The Israeli military blockade on Gaza has undermined living conditions for Palestinian women and girls by restricting access to essential care services. Due to the lack of menstrual care products available, some women have resorted to taking contraceptives to halt their menstrual cycles temporarily, despite potential long-term health implications (WHO). Access to medical personnel, supplies, reproductive health, and family planning services has been restricted by Israel, leading to higher rates of maternal mortality in the region. An estimated over 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza cannot access essential health services, due to overwhelmed hospitals and movement restrictions (UN Population Fund).

Women are also faced with social, economic, and legal challenges while living under war and occupation, taking on the burden of caring for those who are injured and disabled while providing psychosocial and emotional support for their families. In response, young women across Palestine have been mobilizing to advocate for their rights under the occupation. However, the dangers of participating in activism are still high: women activists may face violence and harassment for speaking out, both online and in person. In the West Bank, Ahed Tamimi, a prominent Palestinian activist, was arrested for her vocal advocacy and resistance to the occupation, prompting concern from international human rights groups. Despite Palestinian women playing an active role in resisting Israeli occupation, women are still underrepresented in key decision-making processes (United Nations).

For Gaza’s LGBTQ+ citizens, the escalating violence poses a heightened risk to their already-endangered community. LGBTQ+ Gazans already faced pre-existing challenges, with negative social and religious stigma with sexual relations between men being outlawed. Many may have complex relationships with both Hamas and Israel, facing oppression from both sides on the basis of their sexual orientation as well as their nationality (TIME)

Additionally, children bear the heaviest burden during war and conflict, enduring profound physical and psychological consequences that can shape the trajectory of their entire lives. As a result of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas over 21 children have been orphaned in Israel, with reports of serious trauma from children who were held hostage by Hamas. Since the bombardment on Gaza on Oct. 8th, over 5,500 children have been killed while over 9,000 have life altering injuries. Targeting children in war is a blatant violation of human rights, as it infringes upon their inherent right to life, security, and protection from violence, emphasizing the universal principle that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment free from the horrors of armed conflict.

Women, girls and gender expansive people deserve to live a life free from violence. As a society, we must work together to end gender based violence and demand the human right to bodily autonomy and safety for all.