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Report Says Sexualised Violence by Israeli Settlers and Soldiers Is Driving Palestinian Displacement in the West Bank

The study ties threats against women and children to family flight, pointing to weak investigations.

Overview

  • West Bank Protection Consortium released the report Monday, drawing on 83 interviews from 10 communities in the Jordan Valley, South Hebron Hills and the central West Bank.
  • More than 70% of displaced interviewees said threats to women and children were decisive in leaving, with families pulling girls from school, leaving jobs and arranging early marriages to reduce risk.
  • Researchers documented at least 16 cases over the last three years and warned that stigma and fear likely hide a larger number of incidents.
  • Testimony described forced nudity, invasive body searches, indecent exposure, beatings, urination and the sharing of humiliating photos.
  • The report says soldiers present did not stop the attacks or investigate, and rights groups decried impunity after five accused soldiers were returned to reserve duty when charges were dropped.