Najia and Hammam Malaka have been stuck at opposite ends of the Gaza Strip, with their young children, for most of the yearlong conflict. The emotional toll has been devastating.

The war has shredded many families since Israel attacked the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel. Fighting and bombing have killed tens of thousands. Many of Gaza’s roughly two million people have had to flee again and again, scattering families across the strip. Just moving around the tiny territory involves great risk, sometimes death.

For the Malakas, the war is a wall. They have been trapped, less than 20 miles apart, for almost a year.

“My heart aches every single morning,” said Mr. Malaka, 30. “I feel so awful, just missing them and wanting to hear their voices.”

MBFC
Archive