Israeli sexual violence helping push Palestinians from West Bank: Report
A report by the West Bank Protection Consortium alleges that sexual violence committed by Israeli settlers and soldiers contributes to the displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The report, based on interviews with 83 Palestinians from 10 communities, details at least 16 cases of conflict-related sexual violence. Researchers found that sexualized harassment, intimidation, and humiliation have intensified, pressuring communities to leave their homes. Over 70% of displaced people interviewed cited threats to women and children, including sexualized violence, as the decisive reason for their displacement. The report suggests families are adopting protective strategies like partial transfer of women and children and early marriage to reduce exposure to harm.