‘I Thought I Would Die’: Testimony From Palestinian Women Jailed by Israel

Abstract After the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, Israel sharply expanded the arrest and detention of Palestinian women, resulting in allegations of violence, torture, and enforced disappearance. This study explores the experiences of 50 formerly imprisoned Palestinian women, drawing on their own words and reports by human‐rights organizations. Many interviewees describe beatings, strip searches, solitary confinement, and denial of medical care, often in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with little access to legal support. Pregnant women and minors were especially vulnerable. Many also report enduring trauma, stigma, and economic hardship following their release. The findings suggest that Israel's carceral practices involve the use of gender‐based violence as a tool of domination, which may constitute violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and other international laws. The authors call for global action to ensure accountability, protect detainees’ rights, and secure the release of all Palestinian female prisoners. Reforms are required to prevent any further Israeli violations as the Gaza war ceasefire slowly takes hold.