The situation in Gaza has deteriorated over the years, and the worst sufferers are the women and children. It has come to light that women in Gaza are being exploited by men for the sake of food, money, and water. These men often associate themselves with agencies and associations and exploit the women in the conflict-affected region.
In an interaction with six women from Gaza, The Associated Press learnt about the harsh reality of the region where topics like sexual harassment are considered taboo. One of the women stated that the audacity of men is insane, as she recalled how a person directly asked her to let her touch herself to feed her kids. The woman, 38, narrated her story where, after struggling to find food for her kids, a man at the shelter told her about a person who could help her. This gave her hope, and for her family, she decided to approach him.
But later found that his promises were fake, as he wanted sexual favours instead of aid. As per humanitarian agencies and experts, exploitation during conflict and wars is common, especially when a large number of people are displaced and dependent on others for humanitarian aid. Cases of exploitation and abuse are not limited to Gaza, as cases from South Sudan, Chad, Burkina Faso, and other conflict-prone countries have also emerged.
Heather Barr, who works as the associate director of the women’s rights division at Human Rights Watch, stated that a Humanitarian crisis makes the vulnerable more prone to sexual violence, and the situation of women and girls in Gaza is pathetic beyond words. Psychologists who are working in Gaza have also highlighted the rising cases of sexual abuse. Talking to The Associated Press, a psychologist talked about the dozens of cases involving sexual abuse for humanitarian aid, and how some women have even got pregnant as a result of it.
The four psychologists were Palestinians involved in humanitarian work in Gaza. They have asked to maintain the anonymity of the cases, as the society in question is a conservative one, where any form of sexual activity outside marriage is strictly prohibited.
