Child Marriage Surge Threatens Girls in Gaza

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:11:54 +0000
Civil Rights

UNFPA analysis released April 6, 2026 documents a sharp rise in child marriage and adolescent pregnancy in Gaza following more than two years of war. At least 400 girls aged 14 to 16 were granted marriage permissions by emergency courts over just four months in 2025, up from a pre-war rate of 11% in 2022. Adolescent birth rates have more than doubled compared to pre-war levels, with adolescent girls accounting for 12% of all reported gender-based violence survivors in the Occupied Palestinian territories in 2025. UNFPA is seeking US$20 million to scale up support for adolescent girls and youth through safe spaces, counselling, cash assistance, and dignity kits.