Pressure builds on Palestinian girls to marry as Gaza reports rising child marriage rates.

UNFPA reports an increase in child marriages in Gaza linked to displacement, poverty and the collapse of social and protection services; the agency also noted almost 10% of newly registered pregnancies in December 2025 were among adolescents.

UNFPA and related reports say child marriage has risen in Gaza amid widespread displacement and the breakdown of social, legal, health and protection systems. The agency noted that progress in reducing child marriage over the last decade was reversed after the conflict. Disruptions to services have made current rates hard to assess, and UNFPA reported that almost 10% of newly registered pregnancies in December 2025 were among adolescents. Key findings: - UNFPA reviewed reports indicating an increase in child marriages in Gaza since the conflict began. - The agency linked the rise to displacement, poverty and the collapse of social and protection systems. - A January 2025 UNFPA study found 71% of girls in Gaza reported increased pressure to marry, and emergency courts issued more than 400 marriage licences for girls aged 14–16 during a short monitoring period. - UNFPA said official figures are likely underestimated because many unions involving minors are not formally recorded, and noted reports of coercion, gender-based violence and psychological distress among adolescent girls. Summary: UNFPA reports that the rise in child marriage has coincided with broader protection and service breakdowns and increased reports of coercion and distress among adolescent girls. Undetermined at this time.