Israel's military campaign and the mass displacement in Gaza have fueled an increase in early marriage, according to official data and experts. Desperate parents are marrying off daughters as young as 13, hoping to give them protection and financial support.
The Associated Press spoke to six girls in Gaza who got married between 13 and 16 and their parents. Two of the girls said they were repeatedly raped and described horrific physical abuse. Four of the girls had given birth and described dangerous pregnancies. Three had at least one miscarriage.
