The relentless struggle to feed her six children in Gaza became an agonizing daily reality for one 38-year-old woman, until a sliver of hope appeared. At a crowded shelter, a friend mentioned a man who might be able to help—perhaps with food, vital aid, or even employment. This woman, separated from her husband and with her business shattered by the ongoing conflict, desperately reached out to him. It was roughly a month into the war when he promised her a six-month contract with an aid agency. However, on the day she expected to finalize the paperwork, he drove her instead to an empty apartment. He complimented her and instructed her to remove her headscarf. While claiming he wouldn’t force her and expressing his ‘love,’ he prevented her from leaving. Overwhelmed by fear, she reluctantly endured a sexual encounter, later describing feelings of profound fear and shame without divulging specific details. Before she left, he handed her 100 shekels (approximately $30) and two weeks later, a box of medicine and food. Yet, the promised job failed to materialize for weeks.
This woman’s harrowing ordeal is tragically not an isolated incident. Amidst Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis, many other women report being coerced into sexual interactions by local men—some allegedly associated with aid groups—who ruthlessly exploit their desperation by promising essential necessities like food, money, water, supplies, or work. Six women bravely shared their experiences with The Associated Press, all requesting anonymity due to intense fears of retribution from their families and the perpetrators, and the deep social stigma associated with sexual harassment and assault in their conservative culture. The solicitations varied from overt demands like “Let me touch you” to culturally veiled offers such as “I want to marry you” or “Let’s go together somewhere.”
Psychologists in Gaza, working tirelessly to protect women and children, have documented dozens of such cases, with some tragically resulting in pregnancy. These Palestinian mental health professionals, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that while some women felt compelled to accede to the men’s demands, others courageously refused. Human rights groups and aid organizations universally agree that such exploitation frequently escalates during conflicts and periods of extreme vulnerability, particularly when populations are displaced and entirely dependent on external assistance. Heather Barr, associate director for women’s rights at Human Rights Watch, underscored the gravity of the situation: “Humanitarian crises make people vulnerable in many ways — increased sexual violence is often a consequence. The situation in Gaza today is unspeakable, especially for women and girls.”
Six human rights and relief organizations, including the local Palestinian Women’s Affairs Center and the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) network, confirmed receiving numerous reports of sexual abuse linked to the distribution of aid. The ongoing conflict, the massive displacement of at least 90% of Gaza’s population, and severe restrictions on aid access have critically hampered humanitarian efforts and made documenting these deeply disturbing cases exceptionally difficult. Amal Syam, director of the Women’s Affairs Center, unequivocally stated, “Israel’s siege on the Gaza Strip and the restrictions on humanitarian aid are what’s forcing women to resort to this.” Israel, however, maintains that there are no aid restrictions and accuses Hamas of diverting aid, an assertion that the United Nations denies.
A 35-year-old widow recounted unsettling phone calls that began a year into the war. After meeting a man who identified himself as an aid worker from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) while registering for assistance, his initial inquiries about her family quickly spiraled into sexual propositions. He questioned her about her underwear and how her husband pleased her. When he explicitly requested sex, she firmly refused. Despite enduring nearly a dozen calls without receiving any aid, she eventually blocked his number. She reported the incident verbally to UNRWA in Gaza but was informed she needed a recording as proof, which her old phone was incapable of providing.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s communications director, reiterated the agency’s strict zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and stated that proof is not required for reports. However, she declined to comment on specific cases, citing UNRWA’s policy. The PSEA network, to which UNRWA belongs, also confirmed that survivors can report anonymously without naming perpetrators or providing proof. Understanding the true extent of this exploitation remains challenging, as limited connectivity and constant displacement make reporting difficult and erode trust in aid providers, according to Sarah Achiro, a PSEA network coordinator. Last year, the network received 18 allegations of sexual abuse directly related to humanitarian aid in Gaza, involving aid workers or personnel associated with aid efforts.
The mother of six who initially sought work later encountered her exploiter at an aid site. He subsequently helped her secure a six-month position with UNRWA, which she completed. Despite this, she never reported his actions, believing no one would believe her or might accuse her of fabricating the story for a job. Since then, she has been displaced again, remains unemployed, and still struggles immensely to feed her family, with the man continuing to attempt contact as recently as this summer.
Some women have reported being approached multiple times by different men seeking sexual favors. A 37-year-old mother of four recalled being solicited twice, once by the head of a shelter who offered food and shelter in exchange for going “somewhere” for sex, which she steadfastly refused. Psychologists and women’s groups confirm a significant rise in cases as the crisis worsens, with increased displacement and heightened reliance on aid. Tragically, some women have even been ostracized by their husbands and communities after their experiences became known. Amal Syam noted that pre-war, such reports were extremely rare, but now many organizations hesitate to publicize the issue, often preferring to keep the focus on what they perceive as broader violations by Israeli occupation.
For many women in Gaza, maintaining their dignity amidst such despair is a profound struggle. A 29-year-old mother resolutely refused an aid worker’s persistent marriage proposals, which were offered in exchange for nutritional supplements crucial for her four children. She blocked his number repeatedly, enduring vulgar and distasteful comments, and expressed profound humiliation. She emphasized, “I had to go and ask for help for my children. If I didn’t do it, who would?”