Skip to main content

Misconceptions Abound On Gaza's Women, Politics

Contrary to what is often said about Gaza, not all women there are oppressed, writes Rana Baker.
Palestinian girls play volleyball during a summer camp at the beach of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip June 20, 2009. The camp is being organized by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA CONFLICT POLITICS SPORT VOLLEYBALL) - RTR24UHL

It has become commonplace when reading about Gaza to come across descriptions of it as an "Islamist enclave" or "Hamas-controlled territory" and so on. In case someone exists who does not know what Hamas is all about, commentators make sure their readers understand that it is the "fundamentalist" group bent on the "destruction of Israel" and nothing else.

The Palestinians of Gaza, therefore, are often categorized as either ardent Hamas supporters or suppressed dissidents, including women, who receive the severest treatment imaginable, not only from the Hamas government, but also from misogynistic and backward average male residents. Such categorizations are then followed by sweeping generalizations about each of these stereotypes. Whereas the Hamas supporters consist of "terrorists" and "bloodthirsty barbarians," the dissents are seen as peace-loving minorities who seek neighborly relations with Israel, the occupying entity.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.