Gaza in the Picture: Masculinity, Power, and Structural ViolenceWhy Understanding Gender Dynamics Is Essential for Peace and Human Rights Protection?
The ongoing massacre in Gaza underscores how unchecked masculine norms and geopolitical power imbalances fuel atrocities against civilians, journalists, humanitarian workers, and entire populations.
In the wake of the live-streamed massacre in Gaza, peace-building and human rights organizations are calling attention to the deep-rooted link between socially constructed ideas of masculinity and the systemic violence perpetrated by powerful states. The brutal assault on Palestinian civilians, journalists, women, children, and aid workers—carried out under the leadership of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and openly supported by major powers such as the United States and the United Kingdom—exemplifies how patriarchal notions of strength, dominance, and control translate into state-level aggression and impunity.
Bagat Notes believes that only by confronting the cultural scripts that tie masculinity to power can we build societies where dignity, safety, and justice are truly universal. And the tragedy in Gaza is not an isolated incident; it is a stark reminder that gendered power structures enable the most lethal forms of state violence.
Bagat Notes would like to suggest key areas to address for ending impunity and patriarchal dominance:
The prevailing idea that “strength equals dominance” normalizes intimidation, coercion, and armed aggression. By confronting and reshaping these norms, societies can remove a cultural justification for both personal and large‑scale violence, thereby preventing future conflicts.
Decision‑making authority is still overwhelmingly concentrated in the hands of men, which marginalizes women, non‑binary, and gender‑diverse peoples. Mapping these power relations is essential for designing targeted reforms that promote inclusive governance and shared leadership.
Negotiations, reconciliation efforts, and human‑rights programs that embed gender perspectives produce more durable agreements and enjoy broader community support. Such integration ensures that peace settlements address the needs of all affected groups.
Understanding how traditional masculine expectations shape notions of shame, accountability, and retaliation allows the development of restorative justice models that lower recidivism rates and foster long‑term societal healing.
Insights into gendered power dynamics guide the creation of policies such as gender‑responsive budgeting, anti‑discrimination legislation, and education reforms. These measures break down structural barriers and advance genuine equality.
Actively involving males in the process of redefining masculinity expands the base of support for peace and human‑rights initiatives. This inclusive engagement builds stronger, more resilient movements capable of sustaining change.
Further, Bagat Notes urges governments, international bodies, civil society organizations, and the media to:
Join the call for the stoppage of the occupation and mass murders. And support the rehabilitation, restoration and rebuilding of Palestine and the Palestinians.
Integrate gender focused analyses into all diplomatic, humanitarian, and security responses.
Hold accountable leaders who weaponize masculine ideals to justify aggression, regardless of geopolitical stature.
Support grassroots programs that empower women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized groups to participate fully in peace building processes.
Demand the total withdrawal of the Israeli occupation over the Palestinian lands.
By confronting the intersection of masculinity and power, the global community can move beyond reactive condemnation toward proactive prevention of mass atrocities.
Hold Netanyahu, Trump, Putin and the likes ACCOUNTABLE!
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Bagat Notes is an independent, non-partisan online platform for peace-building, human and environmental rights,, sustainable and ecological development and gender justice advocacies dedicated to analysis and commentaries and sustainable alternative solutions.
October 21, 2025
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