Israel is reportedly setting up a complex system of checkpoints that will prevent men of "military age" from fleeing Rafah in preparation for its offensive on the southern Gaza border city, a senior western official familiar with Israel's military plans has told Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity.
The checkpoints are designed to allow some women and children to leave Rafah ahead of an expected Israeli offensive, but unarmed, civilian Palestinian men will likely be separated from their families and remain trapped in Rafah during the assault.
The previously unreported disclosure of Israel's construction of a ring of checkpoints around Rafah underscores how Israel is pushing ahead with plans to attack the city where over one million displaced Palestinians are sheltering in tents and makeshift camps.
The creation of gender-based checkpoints around Rafah would put a spotlight back on Israel's practice of stripping and forcibly detaining male Palestinian men and children, as it faces rising scrutiny in the West of its conduct in the war.
The rounding up of Palestinian males in Gaza and photographing them stripped to their underwear drew condemnation in December, with the US calling the images "deeply disturbing."
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@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
How do you think being separated from one's family under these circumstances would impact a person emotionally and psychologically?
@9LYVSBF2yrs2Y
This person and their family would be extremely affected. Constantly worrying about their loved ones in a conflict they have no fault in. This would leave extreme trauma in them and would alter you for the rest of your life.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Considering men are being detained while women and children are allowed to leave, what does this say about perceptions of threat based on gender?
@9LYWXCX2yrs2Y
This say that the perception of threat based on gender is still present and links itself with the stereotypes. However, physically men are more strong than woman as their body is build a certain way. Woman can still be considered as a threat, even if some people might think otherwise.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
If you had to decide, would you support the use of gender-specific checkpoints in conflict zones, and why?
@9LYWXCX2yrs2Y
I don’t think it is a very important subject. People should more focus on helping the victims and try to stop the war.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
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