Israeli soldiers and settlers have reportedly used sexual assault to push Palestinians out of West Bank homes, according to a study by the West Bank Protection Consortium. The report documents 16 conflict‑related sexual violence cases over three years, a figure likely understated because survivors face stigma.

The study, based on 83 interviews across the occupied West Bank, highlights escalating harassment: forced nudity, invasive searches, and public humiliation. Survivors say these attacks force families to abandon homes, with over two‑thirds citing sexual violence as a tipping point.

Women and girls bear the brunt, quitting schools and jobs, and some parents arranging early marriages to shield daughters. The Israel Defense Forces are accused of failing to intervene or prosecute perpetrators, reinforcing a culture of impunity.

The findings expose a systematic use of gendered violence to displace communities, undermining Palestinian stability and human rights.