WEST BANK — Sexual violence and gender-based abuse are being systematically used by Israeli soldiers and settlers to drive Palestinians out of their communities, according to a report released by the Norwegian Refugee Council on April 21, 2026. The study documents at least 16 cases of conflict-related sexual violence and draws on interviews with 83 Palestinians across multiple communities in the Jordan Valley, South Hebron Hills, and central West Bank.

The report highlights that more than 70% of displaced individuals cited threats to women and children, particularly through sexual violence, as decisive factors in their decision to flee. Allegra Pacheco, Chief of Party for the West Bank Protection Consortium, emphasized that this tactic is not isolated but part of a sustained campaign intended to facilitate the forced transfer of Palestinian communities.

Many witnesses reported incidents involving soldiers and settlers, including invasive searches that led to sexual abuse, public nudity humiliation, and threats of rape. One harrowing account described soldiers entering a home, forcing a woman to undress for a search, and subjecting her to groping while making demeaning comments.

Additionally, the report indicates that vulnerable individuals are often stalked or harassed while performing basic tasks, such as collecting water, making daily activities feel unsafe. Settlers and soldiers have been reported exposing their genitals in front of minors or photographing Palestinians in embarrassing situations, exacerbating the climate of fear.

In the early months of 2026, the United Nations noted a significant rise in displacement due to escalating violence, with reports indicating that 1,697 Palestinians were displaced in Area C—surpassing the totals of the previous year.

In light of these findings, the report stresses that such sexual violence is a tool used not only to inflict trauma but also to fracture family life, complicating traditional gender roles and strategies for community resilience. Families have increasingly adopted protective strategies, including early marriages, to safeguard their members amid the ongoing threats.

This situation paints a grim picture of the pressures facing Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as daily life continues to be deeply influenced by fear, displacement, and the ongoing impact of military and settler violence. The report urges international attention to the enduring humanitarian crisis and calls for accountability to ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable populations.