War and displacement in Gaza are fueling a rise in early marriage
Summary
The war in Gaza has caused many families to face extreme hardship and displacement, leading some parents to marry off their young daughters for safety and financial support. Data shows that early marriage, which was declining before, has increased since the conflict began.Key Facts
- The war in Gaza has forced many people from their homes, creating difficult living conditions in crowded camps.
- Some parents marry off daughters as young as 13 or 14 to protect them and gain financial support.
- Early marriage in Gaza had been decreasing but has recently increased since the conflict started.
- In 2022, about 18% of marriages involved girls under 18; in 2024-2025, that number rose to over 20%.
- The minimum legal marriage age in Gaza is 17, but younger marriages happen and are classified as early marriages by the U.N.
- Official marriage data may underestimate the true number due to unregistered marriages amid the ongoing war.
- Girls married young often lose their childhood and face health risks from early pregnancies.
- Parents say they would not have married off their daughters young if not for the war situation.
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