Displaced children from Gaza clapped, sang, and jumped while holding a large, colorful umbrella, enjoying rare moments of happiness thanks to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which allowed a group of young people to entertain the children in a school yard. The war has turned schools in Gaza into overcrowded shelters where children feel fear from bombardment, displacement, and shortages of food, water, and electricity.
Twelve-year-old Lina Mohareb, wearing a pink jacket with the Palestinian flag painted on one of her cheeks, expressed, "I was very scared of the war." She enjoyed the games and activities organized by the Watan Youth Center at Abdullah Sayam School in Khan Younis. The center, which is one of the local civil society organizations, held similar events in 26 schools.
Children stood in a large circle around a row of yellow plastic cones while people dressed as cartoon characters entertained them, as adults watched from the upper floors of the school overlooking the yard.
To create a small amount of privacy in what has now become a living space instead of a place for education, people hung clothes on the walls of the school’s balconies and draped fabric over entrances and along corridors.
Samer Nofal, the team leader at the Watan Youth Center, highlighted the hardships of war, saying, "As Palestinian children, and especially the children of Gaza, they are the best children in the world because they endure so many needs." He added, "We took advantage of the ceasefire to provide activities for the children and help them release their emotions."
Another displaced child at Abdullah Sayam School, Jelnar Ahmed, said, "I’m happy with the games and the ceasefire... and God willing, the ceasefire will last."
