UNFPA Reports Rise in Forced Marriage in Gaza

The United Nations Population Fund says reported cases of early and forced marriage in Gaza rose 123% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the first, while reports of sexual violence also increased. UNFPA cautions that the figures reflect reported cases, not the full prevalence of violence, and that sexual violence is substantially underreported. UNFPA’s April-to-June analysis found reported sexual-violence cases rose 61% from the previous quarter and accounted for 2.7% of reported gender-based violence cases, up from 2.1%. The agency said increased awareness and access to confidential reporting, as well as conditions of crisis, may have contributed to the increase in reports. The figures do not establish how much of the change reflects more incidents versus improved reporting. A separate UNFPA report draws on testimony from 230 displaced women in camps in Gaza City and Khan Younis. Interviewees described assault, forced marriage and exchanges involving food or aid. One woman recounted that a man married off his 14-year-old daughter for two bags of flour so he and his other children could eat; reports say six women across different camps described exchanges of this kind.