Rising Early Marriages in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict: A Report

The escalation of conflict in Gaza has led to an increase in early marriages, driven by parents seeking security and financial stability for their daughters. A reported 20.6% of marriages in 2024-2025 involved girls under 18, reversing an earlier trend of decline.

The conflict in Gaza, marked by Israel's military actions and widespread displacement, has significantly exacerbated the trend of early marriages. Official statistics indicate that fear for their daughters' safety and the pursuit of financial security compel parents to arrange marriages for girls as young as 13, despite the potential for abuse and other risks.

Interviews conducted by the Associated Press reveal the harrowing experiences of six girls married between the ages of 13 and 16. Many recounted severe abuse, including sexual violence and unsafe pregnancies. Majda, a mother of two such girls, shared her anguish over feeling compelled to marry off her daughters under dire circumstances.

Before the conflict intensified, child marriage rates were on a decline in Gaza. However, recent data from the Supreme Shariah Court shows an increase, with 20.6% of marriages in the past two years involving minors. Factors driving this rise include economic necessity, the allure of independent aid, and disrupted educational opportunities.

Amal Siyam from the Women's Affairs Centre in Gaza highlights that early marriage poses risks of heightened abuse and subsequent abandonment. These issues reflect a broader humanitarian crisis, as families are forced into desperate measures amid enduring instability.