As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, women are reporting cases of sexual exploitation by men — some claiming ties to aid organisations — who promise food, medicine, or jobs in exchange for sexual favours.
Six women, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, described a range of coercive encounters, including harassment, manipulation, and, in some cases, sexual activity driven by fear and desperation.
A 38-year-old mother of six, separated from her husband and struggling to survive, said she was lured by a man who promised her work with an aid agency.
Instead of employment, she was driven to an empty apartment and coerced into a sexual encounter.
Weeks later, she received limited aid but no job, until she eventually secured a temporary position with UNRWA—arranged by the same man.
Another widow reported late-night calls from a man in a UNRWA uniform who took her number at an aid distribution point.
When she tried to report the harassment, she was told she needed recorded proof, which she could not provide.
UNRWA denied requiring proof and said it has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation.
Human rights groups and psychologists say such exploitation is rising, citing growing desperation among displaced and vulnerable women.
Four Palestinian psychologists said they have treated dozens of cases, including some where victims became pregnant.
Aid organisations acknowledged the problem, with the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) network reporting 18 cases in 2024 alone — believed to be only a fraction of actual cases.
Despite the cultural stigma around sexual violence, women are speaking out to maintain their dignity and protect others.
However, aid groups say the war, displacement, and limited connectivity in Gaza make reporting and documenting abuse extremely difficult.
Many survivors fear retaliation or disbelief if they come forward.