In a powerful and unprecedented statement, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a form of “femi-genocide.” This term underscores the gendered nature of the violence, highlighting the systematic targeting of women and girls as a means of eradicating Palestinian society.
As of July 9, 2025, the UN estimates that 57,680 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict. Alarmingly, women and girls account for 67% of these fatalities, a figure that experts believe may be an underrepresentation due to the ongoing nature of the violence.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has left approximately 150,000 pregnant and lactating women without essential care. Additionally, around 17,000 women and 60,000 children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade hindering humanitarian aid efforts.
Sexual and Reproductive Violence as Tools of War
Alsalem’s condemnation draws attention to the use of sexual and gender-based violence as strategic instruments of war. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have engaged in acts of sexual violence, including rape, against Palestinian women and girls. These actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern aimed at undermining the reproductive capacity of the Palestinian population, thereby threatening the continuity of their society .
International Legal Implications
The term “femi-genocide” is not merely rhetorical; it carries significant legal weight. Under international law, genocide encompasses acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. Alsalem’s characterization of Israel’s actions as genocide calls for urgent international intervention and accountability. However, despite these grave allegations, Israel has consistently denied access to UN investigators, obstructing efforts to document and address these human rights violations
The Global Response and Call for Action
The international community’s response to these allegations has been mixed. While some governments and human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s actions, concrete measures to address the situation remain lacking. Alsalem has urged the international community to recognize the gendered dimensions of the violence and to take decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable. This includes ensuring access for investigators, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of Palestinian women and girls .
Reem Alsalem’s condemnation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing gendered violence in Gaza and the international community’s responsibility to act. The use of “femi-genocide” as a legal and moral framework compels a reevaluation of the conflict, urging a response that prioritizes the protection of women and girls and upholds the principles of international human rights law. As the situation continues to evolve, it is imperative that the global community responds with urgency and resolve to prevent further atrocities and to support the rights and dignity of all affected populations.
Source: TheNewArab
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