Violence against women in Palestine manifests in numerous forms, foremost of which is the violence perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against our people, both women and men. This occupation continues to occupy our land, confiscate its resources, seize our properties, besiege us, impede our movement, and prevent communication between different parts of the Palestinian territories. Simultaneously, it is escalating its daily military operations on the borders of the Gaza Strip, resulting in casualties, injuries, and the destruction of economic infrastructure.

This unfortunate reality exacerbates family pressures due to the blockade, poverty, and unemployment, leading to social and domestic violence, with women being the direct victims. This violence is also fueled by the political division within the Palestinian arena, characterized by the absence of a unified political authority and a unified legislative council, consequently halting the enactment of legislation that would provide social protection for all members of society, especially protecting women’s family rights and safeguarding them from violence directed against them.

Indicators, statistical results, and studies reveal that violence against women persists at high rates in its various forms, including physical, psychological, and verbal. The latest statistics for 2011 indicate that in the Gaza Strip, approximately 34.8% of women experience physical violence alone, in addition to indicators of other forms of violence.

Some may question whether commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at this particular time is merely a symbolic gesture. However, it is important to note that we, in the “Amal” Coalition to Combat Violence Against Women, along with many civil society organizations, are working diligently throughout the year to reduce violence against women, whether through public awareness, legal and economic empowerment, or striving to enact laws and legislation that protect women’s rights.

While we recognize that these efforts require time to yield positive results towards ending violence, the Palestinian leadership, political parties, and the structures and institutions of the Palestinian Authority are fundamentally required to demonstrate a genuine political will. Those claiming to safeguard the interests of the people must prioritize ending the division and achieving national reconciliation, as this is the primary gateway to building a democratic Palestinian society based on justice and social equality – a society we aspire to be a safe haven for all its members, especially women.

Once again, on behalf of the “Amal” Coalition to Combat Violence Against Women, I thank you for your presence today. Let us unite our efforts, women and men, institutions and individuals, to build the homeland we dream of, and I call upon you all to stand together and say in one voice:

Let’s stand, let’s speak, let’s end violence against women.

Let’s stand, let’s speak, let’s end violence against women.

Let’s stand, let’s speak, let’s end violence against women.