Sexual Violence as a Tactic: The Plight of Palestinians in the West Bank

The occupied West Bank is witnessing a disturbing trend of Israeli soldiers and settlers employing sexual assault and harassment as a tactic to force Palestinians out of their homes, according of a recent report by human rights experts.

This gendered violence has had a profound impact on Palestinian communities, with women and children bearing the brunt of these attacks. The report, titled 'Sexual Violence and Forcible Transfer in the West Bank', highlights the escalation of sexualized assaults and humiliation since 2023, with 16 cases of conflict-related sexual violence recorded in the last three years.

The study reveals that Palestinians have been subjected to forced nudity, invasive body cavity searches, and threats of sexual violence. In one harrowing incident, a woman was ordered to undress and endure a painful internal search by female soldiers in front of settlers. Men and boys have also been targeted, with a recent case involving settlers stripping and assaulting a 29-year-old man in front of his community.

The consequences of this sexual violence are far-reaching. Girls are dropping out of school, and women are quitting their jobs to avoid potential assault or harassment. The report notes a rise in early marriages as parents try to protect their daughters by arranging weddings for girls as young as 15.

The Ramallah-based Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC) has documented similar incidents, including forced penetration during searches and soldiers exposing themselves to girls at checkpoints. Kifaya Khraim, an advocate at WCLAC, emphasizes the devastating impact on education and family life.

The broader culture of impunity in the occupied West Bank is a major concern. Milena Ansari, from Physicians for Human Rights – Israel, points to the recent decision to drop charges against soldiers for the filmed rape of an inmate as a clear message of acceptance for sexual violence.

The report, based on 83 interviews with Palestinian communities, sheds light on the urgent need to address this crisis. It calls for accountability and an end to the use of sexual violence as a tool of forced displacement.