The Silent Crisis: Gender-Based Violence Soars in War-Torn Gaza

Introduction: A Shattered Social Fabric

When the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted in 2023, it was not just a military escalation—it was a human catastrophe. What has emerged from the ruins is a deeper crisis: the systematic erosion of women's rights and safety in Gaza. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently released two alarming reports that document a sharp rise in gender-based violence, including a troubling spike in early and forced marriages.

"The trends are shocking," said Nestor Owomuhangi, the UNFPA representative to Palestine. "Everything is eroded... there is no system."

In this context, we are not merely witnessing the aftermath of war—we are seeing how conflict can transform societies in ways that are both immediate and irreversible.

Violence Against Women in Gaza: A Stark Reality

The UNFPA's analysis, which included data from ten organizations, paints a grim picture. Between April and June 2026, the number of reported cases of gender-based violence (GBV) has increased dramatically. Notably, the proportion of sexual violence—rape and sexual assault—rose from 2.1% to 2.7% of all GBV incidents during this period. This translates into a 61% surge in absolute numbers.

These figures are not just statistics—they represent real people, real trauma, and the breakdown of even basic societal protections. One woman in Gaza City described how rape victims are often married to their rapists to avoid social stigma: "When rape cases are discovered in schools, you find weddings and celebrations at the school the next day."

The Rise of Early and Forced Marriage

Perhaps more disturbing still is the 123% increase in early and forced marriages in the second quarter of this year. These practices are considered types of GBV by the UN and have deep cultural roots in Palestinian society, but they were historically declining even in Hamas-run Gaza.

Now, in a context where food scarcity has become a daily reality, some families see child marriage as a way to reduce economic burdens. One woman told researchers that a man married off his 14-year-old daughter in exchange for two bags of flour so he and his children could eat.

This isn't just about economics—it's about power, control, and survival. For many girls, the promise of marriage has become a trap leading to early pregnancy, poor health outcomes, and the loss of childhood altogether.

Childhood Lost: The Impact on Education and Safety

Before the war, Gaza's girls outperformed boys in education at all levels above primary school. Now, prolonged school closures have reversed that trend. With schools closed for nearly three years, millions of children—especially girls—have dropped out. For boys, the pressure is on to find informal work; for girls, the risk of abuse looms larger.

Living in overcrowded displacement camps, often without privacy or basic amenities, many girls are now exposed to sexual harassment and abuse. The lack of safety nets, combined with traditional expectations of modesty, has created a climate where early marriage is seen as a way to protect young women—though it often does the opposite.

Orphaned Girls: Most Vulnerable of All

The UNFPA report highlights particularly tragic cases involving girls who have lost parents during the war. These girls are not only vulnerable to exploitation but also face the crushing burden of being expected to assume adult roles, often as wives or mothers before their bodies and minds are ready.

One woman interviewed described how two 14- and 15-year-old girls from her family were married off by their uncles after their parents were killed. "Do you know why? Because their father and mother were martyred, and their uncles wanted to get rid of the responsibility and expenses," she said.

The consequences of such arrangements are devastating: adolescent pregnancies, complications during childbirth, and long-term trauma that affects mental health and future opportunities.

Hope Amid Despair

Despite the bleak landscape, there is a quiet resistance. Women's rights organizations, humanitarian groups, and international agencies continue to work on advocacy and support programs. The calls are clear: improving humanitarian conditions—better shelters, sanitation, lighting—is critical for protecting women and girls.

There are also efforts to combat domestic violence and child marriage through education campaigns and legal reforms. But the challenges remain immense. As one woman put it, "If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available..."

What We Must Remember

This story isn't just about war—it's about how conflict can unravel decades of progress and turn the most basic human rights into luxuries. The women and girls of Gaza are bearing the brunt of a crisis that extends far beyond military strategy or geopolitical maneuvering.

As we continue to follow these developments, we must remember that behind every statistic is a story of resilience, pain, and an urgent need for global action.