‘I cannot carry all of this alone’: the couples kept apart by the war in Gaza

The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in the separation of numerous families, leaving many individuals to manage domestic and caregiving responsibilities in isolation. Among those affected are couples and parents who have been forced apart due to evacuation requirements, medical needs, and the broader instability caused by the conflict. These separations have left family members scattered, with fathers frequently remaining in Gaza while spouses and children seek safety or medical treatment elsewhere.

One documented case involves Wijdan Abu Matar, a 43-year-old woman who evacuated Gaza in November 2023 with her eight children to pursue medical care. Her husband, Hatem, remains in Gaza, where he is currently injured. This situation highlights the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict, which has prevented couples from reuniting and disrupted the stability of family units.