In Khan Younis, Gaza, Samar Ahmed, 37, looks exhausted. She has five children and has been displaced multiple times due to the ongoing war in Gaza. They are currently living in a makeshift tent in cramped, cold conditions in the al-Mawasi area. Samar is also a victim of domestic violence and feels trapped in the camp with her abuser. Her husband recently beat her, leaving her with a swollen cheek and a blood spot in her eye. Despite the abuse, Samar is reluctant to break up her family, as they have already been forced to move multiple times.
Samar struggles to maintain privacy and dignity in the crowded camp, where arguments between neighbors can be heard. She tries to shield her children from the violence and maintain some semblance of normalcy for them. She attends psychological support sessions to cope with the stress and anxiety building inside her.
Her husband, Karim Badwan, 42, admits to hitting Samar and expresses deep regret for his actions. He acknowledges the impact of the war on his behavior and the strain it has put on their family. He hopes to change his ways before it’s too late.
Their eldest daughter, Laila, is deeply affected by the constant fighting between her parents and worries about her mother’s well-being. She tries to stay strong for her family, despite the challenges they face. The ongoing war has taken a toll on the entire family, leaving them feeling helpless and desperate for a way out.