Rising Trend of Child Marriages in Gaza Amid Crises

In the Gaza Strip, the devastating effects of conflict have led some parents to resort to child marriage as a means of providing security and stability for their daughters. The emotional and physical toll on these young girls is immense, with tragic stories coming to light.

Majda’s Heartbreaking Decision

Majda, living in poverty and desperation in a Gaza camp, faced an unimaginable situation. Her husband and eldest son were killed in airstrikes. She feared for her daughters’ safety in the tent city, worrying about harassment at communal facilities. In a decision she deeply regrets, she married off her 13- and 14-year-old daughters in the hope that the men would offer protection and support.

“I thought I was protecting them,” Majda said. “Fear was slaughtering me.”

This narrative of desperation is not unique. The ongoing conflict has eroded stability and forced families into destitution, driving an increase in child marriages.

Child Marriage Surge Amidst War

Before the war, Gaza saw a decline in child marriages. In 2022, 17.8% of marriages involved girls under 18, a drop from more than 22% in 2015. However, recent data suggests the trend has reversed. The Supreme Shariah Court reported that 20.6% of marriages involved girls under 18 in 2024 and 2025. Many were not officially registered, further obscuring the full scope of the problem.

Amal Siyam, director of the Women’s Affairs Center in Gaza, confirmed this troubling trend.

The Human Toll

For many families, marrying off daughters is seen as a way to reduce financial burdens and gain access to humanitarian aid. Young girls are counted as separate family units once married, which can increase aid allowances.

Despite the relief these marriages might initially bring, the cost to the girls’ futures is devastating. They face loss of education, high-risk pregnancies, and physical abuse. Majda’s daughters suffered horrific abuse, leading to deep regret and trauma.

The Reality of Abuse and Exploitation

Reports of abuse are widespread. Majda’s eldest daughter described violent treatment by her husband, including instances of rape. Her sister experienced similar abuse, resulting in two miscarriages.

Such experiences are not isolated. Many young girls find themselves trapped in a cycle of violence, with the legal and social barriers to divorce intensifying their plight. Divorce carries cultural stigma and financial burdens, making the situation even more challenging.

Pregnancy and Health Challenges

The Awda Hospital in Gaza has noted a spike in teenage pregnancies during the conflict. Young mothers face severe health risks due to malnourishment and the complications of early pregnancy.

The head of the maternity ward, Yasser Shaaban, highlighted the dangerous health outcomes for these girls, worsened by the shortage of resources and food in the region.

A Painful Decision

Back with Majda, her daughters expressed fear at the thought of returning to their abusive husbands. Despite attempts to integrate back into society, they found it difficult due to their unique circumstances as young mothers.

Eventually, familial and societal pressure forced Majda to send her daughters back to their husbands, an action that left them in tears and disconnected from their mother.

Majda remains unable to contact her daughters, who are now living in Gaza City, highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by many families in the region.