Resisting on Two Fronts: The Intersection of Gender and Political Violence in the Lives of Palestinian Women

This paper explores the pervasive and multi-faceted violence faced by women in Palestine, focusing on the complex intersection of political, social, and gendered violence. Palestinian women endure daily acts of aggression not only from the prolonged Israeli occupation but also from within their own socio-cultural frameworks, which often perpetuate patriarchal norms and gender inequality. The occupation exacerbates their vulnerability, as they face physical, psychological, and economic hardships, including displacement, military checkpoints, imprisonment, and loss of family members. Simultaneously, traditional gender roles and societal expectations compound the challenges they encounter, often resulting in domestic violence, limited access to healthcare, education, and employment, and marginalization from decision-making processes. The analysis emphasizes how the intersection of occupation, patriarchy, and socio-economic factors creates a unique context of violence for Palestinian women, undermining their agency and rights. By incorporating testimonies, human rights reports, and feminist theory, this paper highlights the urgent need for International and regional efforts to address the systemic violence against women in Palestine, promoting their safety, empowerment, and active participation in peacebuilding and social reconstruction.