Violence against women is considered one of the most widespread violations of human rights, occurring daily worldwide. Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence, collectively known as gender-based violence, in various forms such as physical, psychological, sexual, verbal, social, economic deprivation, threats, and coercion.

Impact of Occupation on Palestinian Women

Palestinian women face various forms of violence, particularly due to the Israeli occupation, which exacerbates violence for all members of society, not just women. Women experience additional violence due to social violence and marginalization internally. The occupation subjects women to different forms of violence, including physical assault, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, birth at checkpoints, home demolitions, checkpoint inspections, difficulty accessing healthcare, work, and education. The occupation also impacts the social and economic conditions of Palestine, particularly for women, leading to a lack of social and economic security, contributing to various forms of violence against them.

Violence Against Female Prisoners in Palestine

The Israeli occupation detains a significant number of female prisoners, depriving them of basic human rights, including the right to life. The occupation arrests women and minors, placing them in the “Damoun” prison near Haifa, in violation of international laws set by the United Nations for dealing with detainees during wars. Palestinian female prisoners face systematic torture and daily violations of their rights, starting from the moment of arrest, continuing during interrogation and detention.

Targeting of Journalist Sherin Abu Akleh by the Occupation

One of the occupation’s crimes aimed at silencing the Palestinian voice exposing its crimes is the killing of journalist Sherin Abu Akleh. She was wearing a press emblem while performing her professional duties in Jenin, constituting a violation of international norms and conventions regulating the work of journalists during conflicts and occupations.

Social Violence Against Palestinian Women

The second aspect is domestic violence through family and societal institutions, exacerbated by prevailing patriarchal standards. Palestinian women face gender-based violence linked to societal views, concepts, behaviors, policies, and legislation, burdening women with responsibilities and tasks in household, psychological, economic, and social care without giving this role economic value or social protection. This exploitation limits their participation in the job market.

Statistics on Violence Against Palestinian Women

A UN Women study in 2009, covering 1,100 women, indicated an increase in violence against women after the 2008 war on Gaza. A survey on domestic violence in Palestine showed that about 37% of married women experienced some form of violence from their husbands, with 29.9% in the West Bank and 51.1% in Gaza.

The study also revealed that 58.6% experienced psychological violence, 55.1% economic violence, 54.8% social violence, 23.5% physical violence, and 11.8% sexual violence (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

In 2015, 15 incidents of killing Palestinian women and girls were documented, and in 2016, 18 more cases were recorded. In 2017, the Women’s Center recorded 30 cases of murder.

During 2016, the Women’s Center provided services to 424 women and girls, continuing legal and statistical monitoring of 184 cases from previous years. Additionally, 25 women and girls were referred to the “Safe House.”

In 2015, women’s counseling centers in social affairs directorates received 307 cases, leading to the referral of 61 women and girls to the “Safe House.”

In 2016, 874 more women and girls were assisted, with 40 referred to protection and empowerment centers for women and families.

In 2018, the Women’s Center for Legal and Social Counseling recorded 24 cases of murder, preparing an analytical report every two years to review the social, legal, and cultural context of documented cases, providing recommendations to pressure decision-makers to implement protective and deterrent policies against murder. During 2015, 560 women and girls sought support and legal and social counseling for various violations of their rights.

In 2019, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics conducted a survey, revealing that approximately 59.3% of married or previously married Palestinian women aged 15-64 experienced violence from their husbands. The highest rates of violence (66.9%) against married or previously married women were observed in the 20-24 age group.

In Gaza, women and girls were more exposed to violence from their husbands, with a rate of 70.4%, compared to 52.3% in the West Bank.