UN report alleges Gaza war worsened sexual violence risks for Palestinian women

A UNFPA report based on discussions with 230 displaced women alleges that Israel's military response to Hamas has increased gender-based violence risks for Palestinian women in Gaza, citing displacement, aid shortages, and infrastructure destruction. The report does not mention Hamas, though other outlets have documented allegations of sexual exploitation by Hamas members and aid workers. The report acknowledges that women would be unlikely to disclose violence by armed groups, so findings should not be interpreted as indicative of the prevalence of GBV by Palestinian armed actors. The absence audit notes the report omits Hamas, does not explore limitations, and ignores UN's own sexual exploitation allegations.

A UNFPA report released last week alleges that Israel's military response to Hamas has increased both the severity and frequency of gender-based violence (GBV) experienced by Palestinian women in Gaza. Based on discussions with 230 displaced women conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, the report cites displacement, aid shortages, and infrastructure destruction as key factors. It notes that overcrowded and unsafe living conditions in displacement camps have contributed to increases in rapes, assaults, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. The report also alleges that Israel's blockage of aid has intensified shortages, creating economic desperation that could be exploited, leading to increases in sexual exploitation, survival sex, and forced marriage. Notably, the report makes no mention of Hamas, despite investigations by other outlets documenting allegations that Hamas members and aid workers sexually exploited Palestinian women and children. The report acknowledges that women would be unlikely to disclose violence by armed groups, so findings should not be interpreted as indicative of the prevalence of GBV by Palestinian armed actors.