Archive · 25 Sep 2026
UN Report Highlights Forced Marriage and Sexual Violence in Gaza
A new report says women and girls in Gaza are facing more violence during the war.
It found that reports of gender-based violence rose by 27 percent in one three-month period.
Reports of sexual violence rose even more, by 61 percent.
Some girls and women who were raped were reportedly pressured to marry the people who attacked them.
One report described a 14-year-old girl being married in exchange for two bags of flour.
Children who lost their parents are also described as especially vulnerable to early marriage.
The report said hunger, overcrowded camps, displacement and a lack of schooling are making the problem worse.
Separately, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis reportedly killed two people and injured two others.
A U.S.-backed plan to rebuild Gaza has been announced, but the report questions whether it can help without including Gaza's residents in decision-making.
A UN Population Fund report found gender-based violence in Gaza rose 27% from April to June compared with the previous quarter.
Sexual-violence incidents increased 61%, while adolescent girls represented 8% of those cases.
The report said rape victims are sometimes forced to marry their alleged rapists to avoid shame and scandal.
Child and forced marriage cases rose 123%, with adolescent girls comprising 16% of reported cases.
The report linked the crisis to resource shortages, overcrowded refugee camps, displacement and limited access to education.
- Who
- Women and girls in Gaza, Palestinian residents, Israeli forces, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas and the United Nations Population Fund are identified in the report.
- What
- A report describes rising gender-based violence, sexual violence, child marriage and forced marriage in Gaza; the article also reports an Israeli airstrike and a proposed reconstruction plan.
- When
- The report compares data from April through June with the previous quarter; the article also refers to the October 2025 ceasefire and events described as occurring afterward.
- Where
- Gaza, including Khan Yunis and Gaza City.
- Why
- The report attributes the rise in abuse and forced marriage to resource scarcity, displacement, overcrowded refugee camps, poverty and limited access to education.
Humanitarian and Palestinian concerns
Official Israeli and reconstruction claims
Airstrike and casualties
Humanitarian and Palestinian concerns
The article reports that an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in Khan Yunis killed two people and wounded two others, describing it as a ceasefire violation.
Official Israeli and reconstruction claims
Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack killed Muhammad Abu Alwan, identified in the article as Hamas's finance chief.
Gaza reconstruction
Humanitarian and Palestinian concerns
The article questions whether a reconstruction plan designed without Gaza residents' participation can address their grievances while people continue to be killed.
Official Israeli and reconstruction claims
The Board of Peace announced a six-month, $2.45 billion plan presented as an effort to rebuild Gaza.
- Gender-based violence
- Reports increased 27% from April to June compared with the previous quarter.
- Sexual violence
- Reported incidents rose 61%; adolescent girls made up 8% of these cases.
- Child and forced marriage
- Cases rose 123% compared with the previous quarter; adolescent girls represented 16%.
- Reported exchange
- The article says a 14-year-old girl was married in exchange for two bags of flour.
- Damage to structures
- The article says about 82% of Gaza's structures have been damaged.
- Khan Yunis airstrike
- The article reports two people killed and two wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle.
- Reconstruction plan
- The Board of Peace announced a six-month plan worth $2.45 billion to rebuild Gaza.