Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Palestinian women in Gaza are increasingly choosing expedited divorce processes, often forfeiting crucial financial rights, as the ongoing conflict severely disrupts the enclave's legal system. The war, which began in October 2023, has led to significant delays in traditional court proceedings, forcing many women to seek quicker alternatives like 'khulu' to escape difficult marital situations.

These legal hurdles are a direct consequence of the devastation wrought by the war on Gaza's administrative infrastructure, including its judicial bodies. For women seeking a court-ordered divorce, the process typically involves presenting their case before a religious court and establishing grounds for dissolution. However, the war has damaged court buildings, led to shortages of judges and staff, and generally slowed down judicial work, leaving futures in limbo.

Sohair al-Bordani, a 30-year-old mother of four, exemplifies this struggle. Displaced and facing intensified marital arguments due to wartime stress, she initiated legal proceedings for divorce in February 2025. When the case dragged on due to judicial delays, she opted for khulu, returning her dowry and relinquishing financial support she would have otherwise been entitled to. "I gave up everything because obtaining my rights under these circumstances had become extremely difficult," al-Bordani stated, emphasizing her desire for peace and a new beginning.

The implications of this trend are significant, as women are forced to make substantial personal and financial sacrifices to achieve legal separation. This situation highlights a broader crisis in access to justice for women in Gaza, where war-induced disruptions are undermining their ability to secure their rights and rebuild their lives.

Despite the challenges, Gaza's religious courts, overseen by the Supreme Council of Sharia Judiciary, have continued to handle personal status cases, including divorces. According to Sheikh Hassan al-Jojo, the head of the council, courts processed over 8,700 divorce cases between October 2023 and the end of May. Al-Jojo indicated that judicial work has largely resumed, with services maintained even during periods when court buildings were affected.

However, the efficiency and accessibility of these resumed services remain a concern for many women. The option of khulu, while faster, requires women to return their dowry and forgo financial claims, a steep price for immediate relief from untenable marriages. This places women in a difficult position, balancing the urgent need for separation against the long-term financial security they are legally entitled to.

Experts and observers note that such circumstances can exacerbate the vulnerability of women and their children, particularly in a region already facing immense humanitarian challenges. The disruption to legal processes adds another layer of complexity to an already dire situation, potentially leaving women and families with fewer resources and protections.

The ongoing conflict raises questions about the long-term impact on family law and women's rights in Gaza. As the situation evolves, the international community and humanitarian organizations will likely monitor how these legal challenges are addressed and whether provisions can be made to ensure women can access justice and their rights without undue hardship.