‘I cannot carry all of this alone’: Gaza war separates Palestinian families

Wijdan Abu Matar and her family were living in the Nuseirat refugee camp when the Gaza war began with the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Ten days later, on 17 October, an Israeli strike hit the al-Muhandseen tower near their home, injuring Wijdan and every member of her family.

“We were sitting together, just about to start lunch when the bombing happened,” Wijdan recalled. “The ceiling collapsed over our heads. Everything went dark. I couldn’t see anything. I just started screaming the names of my sons and daughters.”

Her daughter Nour, 15, suffered the most serious injuries, including a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain. Five-year-old Amna suffered severe burns to her chest. The family was initially separated after the strike: Nour spent about 33 days in intensive care, with Wijdan by her side, while Amna and three-and-a-half-year-old Aysel were at a different hospital for 15 days.

In November 2023, Wijdan was forced to leave Gaza with all eight children for medical treatment, while her injured husband, Hatem, remained behind.

Analysis

Why This Matters

This personal story illustrates the human cost of the Gaza war, beyond casualty figures. The separation of families has become a widespread consequence of the conflict.
The case shows how medical evacuations separate spouses, creating long-term displacement and emotional trauma.
Wijdan's account highlights the particular burden on women as primary caregivers in conflict zones.

Background

The Gaza war began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, triggering a major Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Nuseirat refugee camp, historically established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, is one of several densely populated camps in central Gaza. The al-Muhandseen tower strike on 17 October 2023 was part of the broader bombardment at the start of the conflict.

Key Perspectives

Wijdan Abu Matar and family: The family suffered severe injuries and separation due to the airstrike. Wijdan now must care for her children alone in exile while her husband remains in Gaza.

The Guardian (source): Aseel Mousa reports on the experiences of Gazans, focusing on the war's impact on family life and displacement.

Critics/Skeptics: Some question the accuracy of individual accounts in wartime, but the UN and humanitarian organizations have documented widespread civilian harm and family separations during the conflict.

What to Watch

Whether Wijdan and her children can reunite with Hatem outside Gaza or if further displacement occurs.
Ongoing humanitarian access for medical evacuations from Gaza.
Long-term impact on children's health and education after such traumatic events.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources