Women in Gaza Report Sexual Exploitation Amid Humanitarian Crisis
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, some women say they have faced sexual exploitation from men promising aid, work, or supplies in return for sexual favors. These allegations include individuals reportedly linked to aid organizations, highlighting the vulnerabilities created by extreme scarcity and displacement.
Six women, speaking anonymously to avoid stigma and retaliation, described situations where offers of assistance or employment were used to coerce sexual interactions. One mother of six said she was lured under the pretense of a job and pressured into a sexual encounter, receiving only delayed support afterward. Others reported being approached late at night by men claiming to be aid workers or wearing humanitarian uniforms.
Psychologists in Gaza note they have treated numerous women reporting similar exploitation, some resulting in pregnancy. Human rights observers emphasize that women and girls are particularly exposed during conflicts, especially when access to food, medicine, and basic services is limited.
Local organizations, including the Women’s Affairs Center and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) networks, confirm awareness of such incidents. While agencies like UNRWA maintain zero-tolerance policies and investigate claims, survivors often face barriers to reporting due to social stigma and lack of evidence.
Experts caution that the documented cases likely represent only a fraction of the problem, with underreporting compounded by displacement and communication challenges. For affected women, the exploitation adds another layer of trauma to an already dire situation.
