Women organizations in the Arab-Palestinian community in Israel published a joint statement and express, “We vehemently oppose occupation, racism, discrimination, male dominance, and extremism, irrespective of time or place. Our firm stance against sexual assaults, harassment, and rape remains unwavering, supporting every woman who speaks out, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. Feminists worldwide have made remarkable efforts to stand against silencing women and questioning their voices, especially during times of conflict and war when women often bear the worst consequences.

Tandi (Movement of Democratic Women in Israel) Jewish and Arab activists during a protest against the war in Gaza held in Rotschild Boulevard, Tel-Aviv, Nov. 25 (Photo: Zo Haderech)

According to Tandi (Movement of Democratic Women in Israel), Women Against Violence, Ad’ar and Al-Tufula associations and Arab Women in the Center “it’s crucial not to doubt the credibility of claims or directions taken by women or their relatives when brought to organizations dedicated to these issues. Women’s bodies should never be exploited for political gains or leverage. Women who’ve experienced assault have the right to receive necessary medical, psychological, and emotional support. They should have the freedom to choose whom to share their experiences with and what information to disclose. As feminist Palestinian organizations, our stand opposes all forms of violence, not just during wars or within families but in every context.”

“We don’t question reports from Israeli organizations combatting sexual assaults against Israeli women, and still assuring that fragmentation among feminists is unacceptable; collectively, they must condemn all violations, including killings, demolitions, and displacements occurring in the relentless war against the Palestinian people, particularly affecting women and children in Gaza. The intimidation, threats, and hardships faced by women during detentions should not be overlooked. Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that any violation, under any guise, is an oppressive act that cannot be justified. Our feminist values dictate that we cannot accept any excuses for violating human rights.”

On Friday, UN Women breaks its silence on Gaza war and allegations of sex crimes carried out by Hamas terrorists on October 7. “We reiterate that all women, Israeli women, Palestinian women, as all others, are entitled to a life lived in safety and free from violence,” the organization says.

“We unequivocally condemn the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October,” the organization says. “We are alarmed by the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities and sexual violence during those attacks. For the sake of everyone in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, and especially women and children, we call for a return to a path of peace, a respect for international humanitarian and international human rights law,” UN women says.

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=31397