The Historical Experience of Palestinian Women in Al-Quds (2000–2022): Israeli Occupation and the Transformation of Religious, Social, and Political Life

Abstract

The experiences of Palestinian women in Al-Quds under Israeli occupation have frequently been examined from legal and humanitarian perspectives, yet their historical experiences within the broader political, religious, social, and cultural landscape of Islamic civilization remain insufficiently documented. This study aims to examine the historical experiences of Palestinian women in Al-Quds between 2000 and 2022 by analyzing the multidimensional impacts of Israeli occupation policies on their lives. Employing a historical research approach complemented by descriptive qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study draws upon primary sources, including interviews with former female prisoners and Murabitat of Al-Aqsa Mosque, alongside official statistics, government publications, and reports from Palestinian and international human rights organizations. The findings reveal that Palestinian women have been systematically subjected to arrests, torture, deportation, residency revocation, home demolitions, restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, and limitations on education, healthcare, and family reunification. These measures extend beyond individual violations, constituting a broader strategy to alter the demographic, religious, and socio-cultural character of Al-Quds while undermining the historical presence of its indigenous Palestinian community. The study argues that the experiences of Palestinian women constitute an important historical dimension of contemporary Islamic civilization, reflecting the intersection of political conflict, religious identity, and cultural resilience. It recommends stronger international legal accountability, enhanced protection of Palestinian women and Islamic holy sites, and continued historical documentation to preserve the lived experiences and cultural heritage of Al-Quds.