UNFPA: Reports of violence against women in Gaza surge amid conflict

NEW YORK — Reports of violence against women and girls in the Gaza Strip have surged amid the ongoing conflict, according to a new assessment released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The agency stated that the deterioration of social norms, combined with the collapse of essential services and the displacement of millions, has created an environment where sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is increasingly prevalent and underreported.

Assessment details

In a statement issued on Wednesday, UNFPA noted that while precise figures remain difficult to verify due to restricted access and the chaotic security situation, the volume of reported cases has risen sharply since the escalation of hostilities. The agency highlighted that women and girls in Gaza are facing multiple layers of vulnerability, including economic deprivation, loss of family support networks, and limited access to healthcare and legal aid.

“The war has shattered the social fabric that previously provided some degree of protection for women and girls,” a UNFPA spokesperson said. “We are seeing a significant increase in reports of intimate partner violence, forced marriage, and sexual exploitation, particularly among displaced populations living in overcrowded shelters.”

Context of displacement

The UN agency emphasized that the mass displacement of over two million people in Gaza has exacerbated the risk of SGBV. Families separated by conflict, women living in temporary shelters without adequate privacy or security, and the breakdown of community oversight mechanisms have all contributed to the rise in incidents. UNFPA reported that many survivors are hesitant to come forward due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and the absence of functional reporting mechanisms.

International humanitarian law requires parties to a conflict to take all feasible measures to protect civilians, including women and girls, from sexual violence. The UNFPA assessment underscores the urgent need for safe spaces, psychosocial support, and legal assistance for survivors, as well as the protection of humanitarian workers providing such services.

Humanitarian response

UNFPA, in coordination with other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, is working to strengthen the response to SGBV in Gaza. This includes training local health workers to identify and refer survivors, establishing safe spaces for women and girls, and advocating for the inclusion of SGBV prevention and response in humanitarian planning. However, the agency warned that access constraints and security risks continue to hinder the delivery of critical services.

The report also called for increased funding to support SGBV response efforts in Gaza, noting that current resources are insufficient to meet the growing needs of survivors. UNFPA urged the international community to prioritize the protection of women and girls in all peace and humanitarian initiatives related to the conflict.

Broader implications

The surge in violence against women in Gaza is part of a broader pattern of humanitarian crisis in the region, where civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict. The UNFPA assessment highlights the intersection of gender-based violence with other forms of suffering, including food insecurity, lack of clean water, and inadequate medical care. The agency stressed that addressing SGBV is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a key component of long-term recovery and stability in Gaza.

As the conflict continues, the UNFPA remains committed to monitoring the situation and advocating for the rights and protection of women and girls. The agency called for immediate action to ensure that survivors receive the support they need and that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with international law.