UN Report Details Sharp Rise in Gender-Based Violence, Forced Marriage in Gaza
UNFPA reports a 27% increase in gender-based violence, with women and girls facing sexual assault, denial of resources, and forced marriages amid a humanitarian crisis.
Recent reports from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) indicate a severe escalation of gender-based violence (GBV) in Gaza, with a 27 percent increase recorded between April and June of this year. Women and girls are reportedly experiencing sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault, the denial of essential resources, and domestic abuse in the midst of a dire humanitarian crisis.
According to the UNFPA findings, sexual violence incidents accounted for 2.7 percent of all reported GBV cases from April to June, a rise from 2.1 percent in the preceding quarter, marking a 61 percent increase in absolute numbers. Testimonies gathered from 230 women in displacement camps in Gaza City and Khan Younis describe harrowing experiences. Several women recounted incidents of rape and forced marriage within the camps.
One account described a father marrying off his 14-year-old daughter in exchange for two bags of flour to feed his other children. The report also noted that rape cases are often concealed, with survivors pressured to marry their attackers. "When rape cases are discovered in schools, you find weddings and celebrations at the school the next day," one woman stated.
Sexual violence against disabled women is also highlighted as prevalent. One account detailed a disabled girl who became pregnant after being raped. Sexual exploitation in exchange for essential services is reportedly increasing, with one woman knowing of another forced to comply with a doctor's demands at night for her son to receive surgery. Another woman recalled a camp representative offering a tent to a widow in exchange for sexual favors.
Fathers, brothers, and in-laws are frequently cited as perpetrators of aid denial. One testimony described a woman who was stabbed and humiliated by her father-in-law for seeking food for her children, and subsequently assaulted by her husband's brother in front of the entire camp. Some husbands reportedly forced their wives into sex work in exchange for money or necessities.
Domestic violence, already a significant issue, has reportedly skyrocketed due to displacement forcing families into close quarters. "All women are subject to violence from family members, especially physical abuse, due to the increased number of family members [living together]. No one is immune, especially during wartime. The problem has worsened considerably," one woman reported.
Displacement has also eroded protections for older women. One account mentioned an elderly mother being beaten by her son when she soiled herself, as diapers were too expensive and he was unemployed.
The rise in reported incidents is linked to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as increased awareness and improved confidential reporting mechanisms. The majority of survivors identified in the data were women aged 18-59, followed by adolescent girls and adult men. The UNFPA's full reports are available online for further details.