Israeli soldiers and settlers using sexual violence to push Palestinians out – report

Over 70% of displaced Palestinian households have cited threats to women and children as decisive reason for leaving

Israeli soldiers and settlers are systematically using sexual violence and harassment to force Palestinians from their homes in the occupied West Bank, according to a report by the West Bank Protection Consortium – a group of international humanitarian organizations. 

The report, published on Sunday and titled ‘Sexual Violence and Forcible Transfer in the West Bank’, documents at least 16 cases of conflict-related sexual violence attributed to Israeli settlers and soldiers over the past three years. The researchers noted that the actual number is likely significantly higher, as survivors often remain silent due to shame, stigma, and fear of retaliation associated with reporting such crimes. 

Victims who have chosen to come forward described harassment, assault, and intimidation inside their own homes, including forced nudity, invasive body cavity searches, exposure of genitals to minors, and threats of rape. Men and boys also reported forced stripping, sexualized humiliation, and degrading treatment. 

More than 70% of displaced households surveyed cited threats to women and children, particularly sexualized violence, as a decisive reason for leaving their homes and communities. 

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“What pushed me to take the decision of relocation was the harassment my wife, daughters and daughter-in-law were experiencing,” one community member was quoted as saying in the report. He added that when he and his son left for work, settlers would regularly stalk the women, whistle and throw stones. “I was terrified that something bad might happen to my family because of this constant settlers’ violence when I was away,” the man said. 

The report documents cases attributed to Israeli soldiers as well as settlers, and adds that settler abuse often takes place in the presence of Israeli forces, who do not intervene or effectively investigate those responsible. It further notes that sexualized violence is not incidental but described as a deliberate tactic of displacement. 

Families have adopted coping strategies, including sending women and children away, withdrawing girls from school, or arranging early marriages to reduce exposure to harm. 

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The findings emerge as Israel has accelerated its land grabs in the West Bank, approving in February the registration of large areas of the territory as “state property” for the first time since 1967, enabling further settlement expansion. The move has been hailed by hardline Israeli nationalists as a “true revolution” to tighten West Jerusalem’s control over the region. 

The Israeli government has long sought to annex the West Bank despite widespread international opposition to the move, including from US President Donald Trump. 

The Palestinian Presidency has strongly condemned Israeli advances into the territory, noting its latest land grab effectively voids multiple signed agreements and openly contradicts UN Security Council resolutions.