GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israeli restrictions on movement between the West Bank and Gaza are not only an obstacle for Palestinians living there, but also for the Arab Israeli spouses of men or women holding Palestinian nationality.

After the outbreak of the second intifada, the Israeli government passed a temporary measure in 2003 to deny residency or citizenship to Palestinians living in the occupied territories. It has been continually extended, most recently in March 2014. Arab Israeli citizens were, however, allowed to enter Gaza to reunite with their spouses or families. The Israeli spouse must renew his or her residence in Israel every six months.

Mariam, an Arab Israeli woman, married a Palestinian from Gaza in 1996. Israeli authorities forced him to return to Gaza in 2004. Mariam followed him. She feels isolated in Gaza, where she and her husband live under difficult economic circumstances. Mariam cannot take advantage of Palestinian government services because she does not have a Palestinian identity card, but she receives part of her husband’s assistance from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency because he is a Palestinian refugee.

“I had always hoped for my husband and I to move to Israel, where life is better than here in Gaza. But this is impossible,” Mariam said. She also stated, however, that she is committed to her identity. “I am proud of my identity. I would never think of changing it. I don’t know what will happen to me in the future. I have no support here. But I also cannot abandon my husband.”