‘I cannot carry all of this alone’: the couples kept apart by the war in Gaza. Families have been scattered, fathers separated from their children, and couples unable to reunite and marry

Sami Abu Tabaq sits alone in his apartment in Cairo, while his fiancee, Ola, remains in Gaza. Images of Gaza are shown on the television.

Photograph: Mohammed Salem/The Guardian

Gaza

Aseel Mousa

Sat 17 Oct 2026 

Wijdan Abu Matar, 43, was forced to leave Gaza in November 2023 with her eight children for medical treatment, while her injured husband, Hatem, remained behind.

Wijdan 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 that year, 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. Amna and Aysel, three and a half, were at a different hospital for 15 days.

Aysel, who incurred severe burns in the bombing, holds up a photograph of her father. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/The Guardian

On 30 November 2023, Wijdan travelled with Nour to a hospital in Egypt for treatment. For months, the family remained scattered across Egypt, receiving medical treatment and staying with other relatives.

“I felt completely helpless,” Wijdan said. “There was a fire in my heart because I was away from my husband and my family was scattered.”

Eventually, Wijdan managed to bring her children together in an apartment in Egypt. Three years on, however, she is still separated from her husband, who remains in Gaza. “I have become both the mother and the father to my children,” she said. “The responsibility is exhausting me, and I am constantly worried about my husband.”

Hatem suffered a serious leg injury that limits his mobility and is now displaced in a tent in Nuseirat. Even speaking to him is difficult because of Gaza’s unreliable internet connection. “When he manages to get online, he calls me and the children. He tells me, ‘I am counting the days until I can see you again.’ I can see the tears in his eyes,” Wijdan says.

Wijdan has no regular source of income and relies on donations. Hatem stopped receiving a salary 10 months ago and his injury prevents him from working.

In Egypt, life is difficult for Wijdan and her family. She says she cannot afford transportation to send five of her children to school. “I see my children’s future slipping away in front of me, and there is nothing I can do.”

Nour still requires medical treatment, but Wijdan often cannot afford her medication. She sometimes considers returning to Gaza to be with Hatem, but fears exposing her children to further suffering.

“I dream of getting my children the treatment they need, and I hope..." READ MORE  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/17/couples-families-separated-war-in-gaza

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Why should I care about other people’s economic situation? There are many reasons, but the simplest is that as human beings, our well-being is deeply interconnected. Growing inequality hurts economic growth and undermines social cohesion. This raises political and social tensions and, in some circumstances, drives instability and conflict... Every effort must be made to eradicate poverty so all people, everywhere, can live with dignity and prosperity.

United Nations

 

@UN

 

Everyone has the right to live free from poverty and the chance to thrive. 

 

Every efforts must be made to eradicate poverty so all people, everywhere, can live with dignity and prosperity. 

 

Saturday is #EndPoverty Day.  

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/poverty/

 

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The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2026 

https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2026 

"We may speak thousands of languages, but we all call this planet home. No matter where we come from, protecting our Earth is a shared responsibility. We need more ambitious #ClimateAction — for our planet and the generations to come."

United Nations

@UN

 

We may speak thousands of languages, but we all call this planet home. No matter where we come from, protecting our Earth is a shared responsibility. We need more ambitious #ClimateAction — for our planet and the generations to come. — via @UNDP  

 https://x.com/UN/status/2040399735526195506

UN Development- Working to end poverty, inequality & climate change & advance the #GlobalGoals.  

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"On this new year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail. It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice.In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace. "

United Nations

@UN

“As we turn the page on a turbulent year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight in 2026.” Wishing people around the world a Happy New Year, @antonioguterres urges: 

 

“Let’s rise together: For justice, humanity and peace.”

 

https://x.com/UN/status/2006712385688711420 

 

 https://un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2025-12-29/secretary-generals-new-year-message

 

Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of The United Nations

As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads.

Chaos and uncertainty surround us. 

Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law.

A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family. 

People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act.

As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words:

Global military spending has soared to 2.7 trillion dollars, growing by almost 10%.

That is thirteen times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.

All, while conflict rages at levels unseen since World War II.

On this new year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight.

A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail.

It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice.

In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain.

And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part.

Our future depends on our collective courage to act.

This new year, let’s rise together:

For justice. For humanity. For peace. 

 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2025-12-29/secretary-generals-new-year-message

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Humanitarian principles & UNRWA

Humanitarian principles

Endorsed by UN General Assembly Resolutions 46/182 and 58/114, humanitarian principles guide the work of all actors working in the humanitarian sphere. As an Agency with a humanitarian mandate – to assist and protect Palestine refugees – humanitarian principles provide the space to make our work possible. From ensuring the sanctity of our shelters in times of crisis, to maintaining access to the most vulnerable populations, to advocating on behalf of Palestine refugees, the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence are at the heart of all UNRWA operations.

The four principles together drive humanitarian action. A humanitarian response requires a focus on humanity, placing those in need at the centre and addressing suffering wherever it is found, respecting the dignity and fundamental rights of beneficiaries. It requires UNRWA to be impartial and provide a response based on independent assessments of need without distinction, neutral to allow operations on all sides and among various parties, and independent to make its own decisions in shaping operations.  https://www.unrwa.org/humanitarian-principles

 

"The UN agency entrusted with the protection and welfare of Palestine refugees for three-quarters of a century, Unrwa, which I lead, was always meant to be temporary. The conclusion of its mandate was foreseen at its establishment. The choice before us today is whether to jettison a decades-long investment in human development and human rights by chaotically dismantling the agency overnight, or pursue an orderly political process in which Unrwa continues to provide millions of Palestine refugees with education and healthcare until empowered Palestinian institutions take over these services." Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of Unrwa*   https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/20/unrwa-stop-saving-lives-gaza-israel-un-agency

*Resolution 194

1940s- April - August 1948: More than 700,000 Palestine refugees are displaced as a result of the 1948 War.

The United Nations General Assembly adopts resolution 194 (III), resolving that “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible.”

Resolution 302

8th December 1949

UNRWA is created by General Assembly resolution 302 (IV), with the initial mandate to provide “direct relief and works programmes” to Palestine refugees, in order to “prevent conditions of starvation and distress… and to further conditions of peace and stability”. UNRWA takes over from the United Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees (UNRPR), established in 1948. 

1940s

 https://www.unrwa.org/content/resolution-302

READ MORE re Mandate:

In response to developments in the region, the General Assembly repeatedly extends and expands the UNRWA mandate, requiring the Agency to engage in a wide variety of humanitarian, development and protection activities based on the needs of beneficiaries.

General Assembly resolution 614 (VII), in 1952, notes a need for “increased relief expenditures” in the UNRWA budget. In 1955, resolution 916 (X) notes the "serious need of other claimants for relief […] namely, the frontier villagers in Jordan, the non-refugee population of the Gaza Strip, a number of refugees in Egypt, and certain of the Bedouin”. General Assembly resolutions in 1958 and 1959 recommend that the Agency increase programmes relating to education, vocational training and self-support, an emphasis that will become an important blueprint for the Agency.

Following the hostilities of June 1967, in which 300,000 people, including some 120,000 Palestine refugees, are rendered homeless or leave their homes, resolution 2252 (ES-V) asks UNRWA to “continue to provide humanitarian assistance… on an emergency basis, and as a temporary measure, to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance”. In later years, the General Assembly repeatedly restates the Agency’s mandate for those displaced in 1967, and, after the invasion of Lebanon by Israel in 1982, extends it to encompass those displaced by “subsequent hostilities.” In the same year, resolution 37/120 (J) explicitly adds protection to the list of UNRWA responsibilities, urging the Agency to “undertake effective measures to guarantee the safety and security and the legal and human rights of the Palestinian refugees in the occupied territories.”

From 1992 to 2002, UNRWA collaborates with the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and other specialized agencies of the United Nations system to contribute to the development of economic and social stability in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). In 1993, after Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) sign the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, UNRWA begins developing its Peace Implementation Programme, which works “to meet Palestinian requests for assistance and priorities” during the interim period; General Assembly resolution 49/35 (1994) notes its “significant success.”

While other agencies and actors have the central role in arriving at a resolution of the Palestine refugee issue, UNRWA is mandated to work with governments on interim measures and to provide relief and assistance to Palestine refugees “pending the just resolution” of the Palestine refugee question.  The role UNRWA plays in the region has evolved to reflect the needs and pressures of the times, but the Agency’s central mandate remains largely unchanged: UNRWA protects and assists Palestine refugees, seeking to help them achieve their full potential in human development.  

 

https://www.unrwa.org/resources/strategy-policy/unrwa-and-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs

UNRWA and SDG 1: No Poverty

Poverty eradication and respect for human rights, central pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are at the core of the Agency’s human development, humanitarian and protection work. By investing in the human capital of Palestine refugees, UNRWA actively contributes to the realization of the 2030 Agenda. As the largest direct service provider to Palestine refugees in its areas of operations, the impact of UNRWA is concrete and sustained, with the following Sustainable Development Goals central to our work: SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG17: Partnerships.

UNRWA joins the global effort to promote the SDGs through the “Decade of Action” and, in particular, the work UNRWA has done over the past 70 years. To learn more, view our factsheet on “UNRWA and the SDGs” 

 

Palestine refugees

Who is UNRWA mandated to serve?

37865

UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly to serve ‘Palestine refugees’. This term was defined in 1952 as any person whose "normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." Palestine refugees are persons who fulfil the above definition and descendants of fathers fulfilling the definition. Read the full eligibility rules (Arabic PDF) or learn more here.

In addition to Palestine refugees, the UN General Assembly has also mandated UNRWA to offer services to certain other persons who require humanitarian assistance, on an emergency basis as and when required, in UNRWA fields of operations. Notably, the General Assembly has mandated the Agency to provide services to persons in the region who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the 1967 and subsequent hostilities. These persons are not registered as Palestine refugees. Only the UN General Assembly can change the mandate of UNRWA, the definition of a Palestine refugee and whom the Agency is mandated to serve.  https://www.unrwa.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions

"What we are witnessing right now is the rise of two Americas. One for the billionaire class. And one for everybody else" The American political system is badly broken- Bernie Sanders in The Guardian

An unhoused person sleeps on a bench at the Columbus Circle monument, in view of the US Capitol in Washington DC, on 18 August. Photograph: Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

Wed 24 Sep 2025 06.00 EDT

Let’s take a deep breath and, for one moment, forget about Donald Trump, Jimmy Kimmel, the UN, Charlie Kirk, Gaza, a government shutdown and the other crises that we face.

Let’s talk instead about the reality which the corporately-controlled media and the corporately-controlled political system don’t talk about very much.

What we are witnessing right now is the rise of two Americas. One for the billionaire class. And one for everybody else.

In one America, the richest people are becoming obscenely richer and have never, ever, had it so good. That America is overflowing with unimaginable wealth, greed and opulence that makes the Gilded Age seem very modest.

And then there is a second America – an America where a majority of people live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to secure the very basic necessities of life – food, healthcare, housing and education.

The simple truth is that never before in our history have so few had so much wealth and power while so many live in economic desperation... READ MORE   https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/24/bernie-sanders-opinion-billionaire-politics 

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The $2.7 trillion question - what is the true cost of security? | A new report by the United Nations Secretary-General explores how rebalancing military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future can furnish the security we need.

 

War, conflict, and crisis. 

For ten years, the world has been shaken by inequalities, climate chaos and rising tensions. 

Against this backdrop, military spending reached a record $2.7 trillion last year. 

This choice has a steep cost. It moves us away from diplomacy. It drains money from vital areas like ending hunger and poverty. 

A new report by the United Nations Secretary-General explores how rebalancing military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future can furnish the security we need. 

 The report shows a stark choice: continue to fund militaries or invest in sustainable development to build a future that is truly secure for everyone

. 

United Nations

“The world is spending far more on waging war than on building peace.” The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Sept. 2025: The true cost of peace [& the CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE of] Rebalancing world military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future

“The world is spending far more on waging war than on building peace.”

@antonioguterres

as new UN report reveals global military spending hit a record $2.7 trillion in 2024.

 

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https://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/the-true-cost-of-peace

The true cost of peace

Rebalancing world military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future

Global military spending is soaring, fueling a new arms race and placing immense pressure on national budgets and priorities.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a staggering $2.7 trillion was spent on militaries in 2024. This marks a more than 9 per cent jump from the previous year—the steepest increase since the Cold War and the tenth consecutive year of growth.

The Cost to Sustainable Development and Peace

This unprecedented military spending surge is occurring as global security deteriorates and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—the world's blueprint for a more equitable future—is falling short. In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has released a new report, The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future.

The report offers a stark warning: if current trends persist, global military spending could reach $4.7 to $6.6 trillion by 2035. A $6.6 trillion annual military budget would be nearly five times the level at the end of the Cold War and more than twice of what was spent in 2024.

This trajectory of accelerated militarization poses a serious threat to humanity's future by diverting critical resources from sustainable development and peace-building initiatives.

The Security We Need

Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future

Global military spending is rising significantly across all regions driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, conflicts and perceived security threats. But does increasing military spending truly guarantee security? No, it often fuels arms races, deepens mistrust among countries and further destabilizes international relations.

The Secretary-General’s report, as requested by UN Member States in the 2024 Pact for the Future, examines the difficult trade-offs presented by the increasing global military spending, making a powerful case for investing in peace and in people's futures.

It proposes a shift towards a human-centered and multidimensional approach to security, one that prioritizes diplomacy, cooperation, sustainable development and disarmament over military build ups.

The $2.7 trillion question

War, conflict, and crisis. For ten years, the world's answer has been defense, with military spending reaching a record $2.7 trillion last year.

This choice has a steep cost. It drains money from vital areas like ending hunger and poverty. A billion dollars spent on the military creates jobs, but the same money invested in education creates more than double the opportunities.

The path forward is clear. We can continue to fund conflict, or we can invest in sustainable development to build a future that is truly secure for everyone.

Investing in humanity, not arms

Breaking down the global military spending

 

https://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/the-true-cost-of-peace

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