Sohair al-Bordani, a 30-year-old woman displaced and living in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp, has struggled to care for her four children amid the ongoing war in Gaza that began in 2023. The conflict has intensified personal tensions, with al-Bordani describing increased arguments with her ex-husband as the stress of survival weighed on them.

The war, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 Palestinians, has severely damaged Gaza’s administration, including its legal system. Women seeking court-ordered divorces face significant obstacles, as they must present their cases before religious courts to claim financial rights.

Al-Bordani initiated legal proceedings in February 2025 but ultimately chose to abandon her claims, stating, “I gave up everything because obtaining my rights under these circumstances had become extremely difficult. I only wanted to find peace and start a new life away from everything I experienced during that period.”

Sheikh Hassan al-Jojo, head of the Supreme Council of Sharia Judiciary in Gaza, reported that courts have handled over 8,700 divorce cases from the start of the war in October 2023 until the end of May 2026, reflecting the widespread impact of the conflict on family law.

The ongoing violence and administrative challenges continue to affect the lives of Palestinians in Gaza, complicating legal processes and personal relationships.

Sources