Gender-based violence rises for women in West Bank

Thousands of women and girls in the West Bank are facing increased risks of gender-based violence amid the ongoing conflict. The United Nations reports that around 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced due to intensified Israeli military operations since January. Many women are now resorting to begging and survival sex for basic needs. The situation has led to a rise in domestic abuse. Women report being denied access to money for essential items like menstrual hygiene products and baby formula. Overcrowded living conditions and insecurity for displaced families have heightened the risks of harassment and exploitation. The UN states that domestic violence is prevalent in both Israel and the occupied territories. A study showed that one in ten Israelis experience intimate partner violence. In the West Bank, restrictions on movement and fear are keeping many women trapped at home, limiting their access to education and work. Local organizations that help victims of domestic violence are struggling with a lack of funding and resources. Movement restrictions make it hard for them to reach those in need. Reports of conflict-related sexual violence, including invasive searches by soldiers, add to the dangers faced by women and girls. Many adolescent girls are dropping out of school due to fears of violence on their way to classes. Families sometimes push girls into early marriages as a form of protection. While literacy rates were nearly equal for men and women in 2022, the ongoing conflict threatens to widen this gap. The mental health of women and girls is also deteriorating. Many face anxiety and depression with limited access to psychological support. The crisis is deepening gender inequalities and putting the futures of many young girls at risk.