Kathmandu— As Israel’s war on Gaza continues to devastate the enclave, Palestinian women are encountering significant legal hurdles in pursuing divorce proceedings, leading many to choose quicker options like ‘khulu’ – a form of divorce where they relinquish financial rights to escape prolonged court battles. Sohair al-Bordani, a 30-year-old mother of four displaced to Nuseirat camp, initiated divorce proceedings in February 2025 but faced extensive delays due to the war's impact on Gaza’s legal system; ultimately, she opted for khulu to prioritize peace and begin rebuilding her life. This trend reflects a broader struggle for women seeking separation within a severely strained judicial framework.

War's Impact on Legal System

The ongoing conflict has deeply impacted Gaza’s administrative infrastructure, including its legal system, causing delays in court proceedings and hindering access to justice for many. Sheikh Hassan al-Jojo, the head of the Supreme Council of Sharia Judiciary in Gaza, reported that courts have handled over 8,700 divorce cases since October 2023 despite facing challenges such as damaged buildings and staff shortages. While courts have largely resumed operations, they are severely under-resourced; each court reportedly has only one computer, and frequent power cuts and lack of supplies continue to impede their work.

Loss of Rights and Financial Strain

The delays in legal proceedings mean women like al-Bordani are unable to fully pursue their financial rights following separation, including child custody, maintenance payments, and other entitlements. Mohammad al-Talaa, a lawyer in Gaza, notes that the war has led to the postponement of thousands of hearings and the loss of crucial case files due to Israeli bombing, making it difficult for women to prove their claims. The suspension of enforcement departments also leaves those entitled to financial support without access to it.

Psychological Toll and Difficult Choices

Beyond the legal and financial implications, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding divorce cases is taking a significant psychological toll on families already traumatized by the war. Women are finding themselves trapped in unwanted marriages or facing increased burdens as they struggle to support their families without access to owed payments. Suad al-Naami, 22, who had been married for only five months, chose khulu after experiencing escalating disputes with her ex-husband and displacement; she prioritized a fresh start over pursuing lengthy legal battles.

Khulu as a Last Resort

For many women, the promise of a new beginning outweighs the loss of financial rights. Al-Naami explained that enduring a prolonged legal process under such difficult circumstances would have been more challenging than forfeiting her claims and moving forward. This sentiment is echoed by al-Bordani, who simply wanted to find peace and rebuild her life after experiencing immense hardship.

As Gaza’s legal system continues to grapple with the aftermath of war, women are forced to make difficult choices between pursuing their rights and securing a swift resolution to their marital disputes, highlighting the urgent need for increased support and resources for those navigating this complex landscape.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.