Israeli sexual violence helping push Palestinians from West Bank: Report

"The evidence shows how sexualised violence is used to pressure communities, shape decisions about remaining or leaving their homes and land, and alter patterns of daily life."

"More than 70 percent of the displaced people interviewed said that threats to women and children, particularly sexualised violence, were the decisive reasons for leaving their homes."

"Interviewees reported incidents of sexual harassment, including sexualised insults, indecent exposure, threats of sexual violence and surveillance of intimate spaces including bedrooms."

"Researchers found that incidents of sexualised harassment, intimidation and humiliation have intensified, and warn that the real number of attacks likely remains underreported."

A report by the West Bank Protection Consortium documents at least 16 cases of conflict-related sexual violence by Israeli settlers and soldiers. This violence is contributing to the displacement of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. The report indicates that sexualized violence pressures communities and influences decisions about remaining in their homes. Over 70 percent of displaced individuals cited threats to women and children as key reasons for leaving. Families adopt protective strategies, including early marriage, to mitigate risks associated with sexual violence.

Read at www.aljazeera.com