Israeli and Palestinian Women United for Peace

The conflict between Hamas and Israel continues, claiming thousands of civilian lives. International organizations remain far from reaching an agreement. Amid this, on October 4, 2023, thousands of Palestinian and Israeli women gathered at the Dead Sea to demand peace under the slogan “Israeli and Palestinian Mothers Changing Realities.”

“We are the ones who lose our children, our husbands, our fathers. We are the ones who must rebuild our lives after war. That’s why it’s so crucial for women to be involved in peace decision-making,” declared Judith Gilbert.

The march was organized by the Israeli movement “Women Wage Peace” and the Palestinian association “Women of the Sun.” Gilbert explained that the event aimed to demonstrate widespread support for peace among both peoples.

“We, Israeli and Palestinian mothers, are determined to stop the cycle of bloodshed and change the reality of this bitter conflict for the sake of our children’s future,” said Judith.

Women Who Act for Peace:

This movement emerged in 2014 after Operation Protective Edge in Gaza. Women Wage Peace unites women across political, religious, and social divides—left, center, and right; young and old; urban and rural; Jewish, Arab, Druze, and Bedouin—to demand a seat at the table in shaping their countries’ futures. The movement empowers women from diverse communities to build trust across divisions, advocating for inclusive diplomatic negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“It’s time for brave leaders to create hope for a better future for our children.” —Yael Admi

Women of the Sun:

The Palestinian people have long struggled for rights, sovereignty, and self-determination. In this challenging context, women face additional barriers and discrimination, limiting their potential and societal contributions. This movement reaches Palestinian women in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and the diaspora, empowering them politically and economically to invest in a better future for Palestine.

Reem Hajajreh: “More and more women are joining—women who want to protect their children and prevent them from becoming the next victims.”

Over 1,500 women gathered at the Dead Sea, a symbolic divide between the two peoples. They marched together, waving peace flags and singing in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

“It was deeply moving,” said Gilbert. “These encounters help us see each other not as monsters, but as human beings.”

Both groups also signed the “Mothers’ Call,” a petition reaffirming their shared demand to resume peace negotiations. The document urges women worldwide, religious leaders, influencers, educators, and others to join their cause—and specifically calls on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to include women from both organizations in negotiation processes. Yet, the delayed response from relevant parties has prolonged civilian suffering.

The October 4 march marked a milestone for Middle East peace efforts. It proved that grassroots support for peace exists among women on both sides—and that they are ready to collaborate for a better future. As Bahous noted: “The global movement for women’s rights is never deterred by setbacks; it only grows stronger with every injustice.”

Reem Hajajreh: “We started as a handful of solitary women. Now, we are thousands from the West Bank and Gaza. We refuse to stay in the background. We are determined to act relentlessly to end the bloodshed and secure freedom, justice, and dignity for Palestinian and Israeli children.”

The struggle of these women transcends borders and religions. They represent a form of leadership based on empathy, justice and care. In times where hate dominates the discourse, their example reminds us that peace is a collective construction, and that women's voices can no longer be ignored. Because, as they themselves affirm, “motherhood has no flags when it comes to protecting life”.