Hyper-Sexuality as a Tool of Degradation: The Case of Palestinian Women
Farihah Mohammed ????? ????
Independent Consultant | Advocacy, Policy Reform, Human Rights and Justice.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have long been accused of employing hyper-sexuality as a tool to degrade Palestinian women, perpetuating gender-based violence (GBV) and violating international laws. This article examines these actions through the lens of Muslim feminism, highlighting the intersectionality of gender, religion, and colonial oppression. This piece aims to shed light on the systematic use of sexual violence as a means of control and humiliation.
Gender-based violence (GBV) against Palestinian women by the IOF encompasses a range of abuses, including physical assault, sexual harassment, and psychological torture. According to a report by the Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC), Palestinian women are subjected to a variety of GBV tactics, often in front of their families and communities, exacerbating the humiliation and trauma.
Reports indicate that Palestinian women are often beaten and assaulted during raids and interrogations. In many cases, these assaults are accompanied by sexual harassment and threats of rape. Palestinian women frequently report being subjected to inappropriate comments, groping, and other forms of sexual harassment by IOF soldiers. This harassment often occurs during house raids, at checkpoints, and in detention centres. The IOF uses threats of sexual violence as a form of psychological torture. Women detainees have reported being threatened with rape or having their families subjected to sexual violence as a means to extract information or confessions.
One particularly degrading tactic employed by the IOF is the exposure of women's lingerie during house raids and body searches. This practice is not only a violation of personal privacy but also an attempt to strip women of their dignity and sense of security. The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) has documented numerous instances where IOF soldiers have ransacked homes, leaving women's underwear on display as a means of shaming and humiliating them.
From the perspective of Muslim feminism, the struggle of Palestinian women is both a fight against occupation and a quest for gender justice. Muslim feminists advocate for the protection of women’s rights within the framework of Islam, emphasising the dignity, respect, and equality afforded to women. This perspective challenges both the patriarchal interpretations of Islam that seek to oppress women and the colonial practices that use hyper-sexualization as a weapon. Muslim feminist groups within Palestine, such as the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD), play a crucial role in supporting victims of sexual violence, providing legal aid, and advocating for their rights on both national and international stages.
The illegal detention of Palestinian women is another method used by the IOF to exert control. Women are often detained without charge or trial, a practice known as administrative detention, which contravenes international law. The Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association has documented cases where women detainees have been subjected to sexual violence and harassment while in custody.
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Ahed Tamimi, a prominent Palestinian activist, was detained at the age of 16. During her detention, she reported being subjected to verbal sexual harassment by IOF soldiers. Her case drew international attention and highlighted the systemic nature of such abuses. According to a report by the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), female prisoners in Israeli jails are often held in conditions that lack basic sanitary facilities, leading to further degradation. Many have reported being subjected to invasive body searches and sexual harassment by prison guards.
The actions of the IOF violate several international laws and conventions aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of individuals, especially women. Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits any form of sexual violence and indecent assault against women during times of war and occupation. Israel, as a signatory to CEDAW, is obligated to protect women from all forms of violence and ensure their safety and dignity. The persistent GBV against Palestinian women by the IOF represents a blatant violation of these commitments. Finally, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 emphasises the importance of protecting women and girls from sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. The IOF's actions starkly contrast with the principles outlined in this resolution.
The use of hyper-sexuality and gender-based violence by the IOF to degrade Palestinian women is a grave human rights violation that demands urgent international attention and accountability. By examining these abuses, it becomes evident that the intersection of gender, religion, and colonialism exacerbates the suffering of Palestinian women. It is imperative for the international community to hold Israel accountable for these violations and ensure that the rights and dignity of Palestinian women are upheld.
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Accountability shall come?? As we’ve learned, empathy and cognition is an evolved trait of mankind. IOF brainwashing might have kicked them into regression, recognizing that they’re somewhat stuck the Pre-Middle Ages of history.
Project Manager| Product Implementation| Client Success (HRIS,Fintech,EMR/EHR) ?? ?
5 个月A criminal force doing service to the devil. IDF = ?NTERNAT?ONAL DEV?LS FORCE