PHOTOS: Women at the Front

Young Palestinian women took the initiative to be in the front line of the March 15 protests in Palestine to protect the protesters. With their bodies they created a human shield in an attempt to prevent any expected fights. Some of the protesters were on hunger strike for the third day. They simply called for an end to Palestinian division.

The ìthugsî who attacked the peaceful protest in Ramallah intentionally targeted those women. They turned to violence against the unarmed women. Many were beaten up, pushed to the ground and two of them were sent to the hospital in Ramallah.

More shocking news came later on from Gaza, when we heard that the journalist Samah Alrwag was stabbed. And other women activists were arrested, such as Asmaía Al-Ghoul. She was also arrested a few weeks ago with five other women. They were beaten during their detention period.

These scenes represent the harsh reality of the dual oppression that Palestinian women go through. They suffer from the Israeli occupation on one hand and the social and political oppression in Palestine on the other.

We demand the Palestinian Authority condemn the violations conducted by some ìthugsî from both sides, Fatah and Hamas in Gaza and Ramallah. The authorities must prosecute the attackers as soon as possible. The Palestinian Authority is responsible for protecting these women and all the other protesters.

To View Photos, Click Here