Reports of violence against women in Gaza surge, UN agency finds
Summary
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports a sharp rise in violence against women and girls in Gaza, including early and forced marriages. The ongoing crisis and war have worsened living conditions, increasing risks of gender-based violence and forcing many families to marry off young girls to cope with poverty.Key Facts
- Reports show a big increase in violence against women and girls in Gaza, especially early and forced marriages.
- Early marriage cases involving girls aged 12 to 17 rose by 123% in the second quarter of this year compared to the first quarter.
- The UNFPA collected data from 10 organizations and interviews with 230 women living in crowded displacement camps.
- Some families marry girls off very young to avoid shame after rape or to gain food or money during famine.
- The war and repeated displacement have destroyed social support systems and worsened poverty and hunger.
- Many Gazan children have stopped going to school due to closures and unsafe conditions.
- Girls are especially vulnerable in crowded shelters where sexual harassment increases.
- Orphaned girls often face pressure to marry young because relatives want to avoid taking responsibility for them.
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