Story perspectives

Gaza Conflict Sparks Surge in Child Marriages

3/22/2026

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UNFPA Warns: Rising Child Marriages

Gaza has seen a rise in child marriages driven by poverty and displacement from the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports families are marrying off underage daughters as a survival strategy.
Child marriage rates had fallen from 28% in 2009 to 17.9% in 2022 before the war reversed progress.
UNFPA found that 71% of girls report increased pressure to marry.

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UN Experts Warn

UN experts warn that Israel's humanitarian restrictions in Gaza and the West Bank disproportionately affect women and girls, with essential services collapsing.
They note the health-care system's failure endangers women's lives, especially for maternal and reproductive health.
More than 72,000 people have died since the war began in October 2023.
Rights groups call for gender-sensitive humanitarian aid to address the crisis as Mother's Day approaches.

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UNFPA Warns: Rising Child Marriages

Gaza has seen a rise in child marriages driven by poverty and displacement from the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports families are marrying off underage daughters as a survival strategy.
Child marriage rates had fallen from 28% in 2009 to 17.9% in 2022 before the war reversed progress.
UNFPA found that 71% of girls report increased pressure to marry.

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