In a historic gathering, Palestinian and Israeli feminists came together at the wall between West Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank to demand peace. Clad in white and turquoise hijabs, they rode to the Dead Sea, symbolizing their commitment to change the narrative of conflict for the sake of their children. Women Wage Peace and Palestinian Women of the Sun created the "mothers' call," which reverberates with a potent message: "We, Palestinian and Israeli mothers, are determined to stop the vicious cycle of bloodshed and to change the reality of the challenging conflict between our two nations, for the benefit of our children."
However, the narrative of "women and children" in conflicts carries both sincere concern and potential harm. While it emphasizes shared humanity, it can also inadvertently infantilize and underestimate women's agency. In a region where gender equality is promoted, Israeli and Palestinian women emerge as bold peacemakers, challenging the status quo.
War and occupation disproportionately impact women, reinforcing traditional roles within Palestinian society. Israeli policies, such as home demolitions and movement restrictions, exacerbate the burdens faced by women, perpetuating male dominance and female dependency. Additionally, gendered violence is a deliberate tactic of war, with survivors often facing ostracization.
Feminist organizations advocating for Palestinian liberation and nonviolent reconciliation recognize the link between masculine dominance and colonial oppression. They stand against systemic gendered, sexual, and colonial violence, working towards freedom and independence from Israeli occupation.
While Israel has made strides in women's participation in the military, challenges persist. The armed society still holds elements of a masculinist culture, with reports of sexual harassment among military women. The call for women's full citizenship is a step toward cross-border coordination, emphasizing the need for collective efforts.
However, recent political shifts in Israel have raised concerns for women's and LGBTQ+ rights. The nationalist and religious inclinations of the current administration pose threats to progress in gender equality. Efforts to restrict women from public life and dismantle institutions supporting women's rights are alarming.
In the face of these challenges, feminism emerges as a powerful force for change. It opposes dominance and violence, demanding an immediate ceasefire, an arms embargo, and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Ultimately, feminism represents the promise of fundamental human change, advocating for a negotiated Israel-Palestine solution that upholds freedom and democratic rights for all.
In this pivotal moment, women continue to lead the way towards a more just and peaceful future in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.