Palestine

Justice for Survivors of Sexual and Reproductive Violence in Palestine

In response to the devastating impact of sexual and reproductive violence in Palestine, Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice is working to support accountability efforts for these crimes. As Israel’s military actions escalate, Palestinians face heightened risks of sexual violence, reproductive coercion, and the deliberate denial of life-saving medical care. These acts amount to grave violations of international law and require urgent international attention.

Challenges in Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Violence in Palestine

Reproductive violence as a weapon of war – The destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system has left pregnant women, new mothers, and survivors of sexual violence without critical medical care. The blockade and attacks on hospitals have effectively weaponized reproductive health, depriving people of essential services and exacerbating maternal and neonatal mortality.
Silencing of sexual violence survivors – Patterns of sexualized torture, degrading treatment, and threats of rape have been documented in Israeli detention centers. Yet, impunity persists, and the fear of stigma or reprisal silences many survivors. A lack of adequate reporting mechanisms further compounds the issue.

Erasing Gaza’s Future

As Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza escalates into a humanitarian catastrophe, this article examines the systemic use of reproductive violence as a tool of domination and erasure. From the destruction of maternity hospitals to forced births in unthinkable conditions, the assault on reproductive autonomy is revealed as a central tactic in a broader genocidal strategy. Drawing on international law, survivor testimony, and expert reports, the piece urges the International Criminal Court to recognize and charge reproductive violence—including forced pregnancy, denial of medical care, and targeted attacks on healthcare infrastructure—as core crimes under the Rome Statute. Without addressing gendered harm, justice for Palestinians remains incomplete.

Reproductive Violence: A Gendered Atrocity

The destruction of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has cut off access to maternal care, emergency contraception, and post-rape medical services. Pregnant women are giving birth in impossible conditions, while others suffer miscarriages due to starvation and trauma. The deliberate targeting of medical facilities, coupled with restrictions on humanitarian aid, constitutes reproductive violence under international law.

Addressing Israel’s Impunity for Sexual Violence

International accountability for sexual and reproductive violence in Palestine remains elusive. Patterns of sexualized torture, degrading treatment, and the use of rape threats against detainees have been documented. Yet, Israel continues to evade scrutiny under international law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and other accountability mechanisms must recognize these crimes for what they are—grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.