The UN says Gaza is home to the highest number of child amputees per capita worldwide, up to 4,000 since the Israeli military campaign there began. For some, time in a swimming pool helps bring back confidence and joy.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
Before the children get into the pool, coach Nour Qashqash leads the group through a warm-up. Afterward, he guides the young swimmers through their exercises. Many of them have experienced injuries, loss, displacement and traumatic events. The training creates a safe space where community, physical activity and mutual trust can flourish.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
After their warm-up exercises, the children jump into the water. They lost legs or other limbs during the Israel-Hamas war. The swimming training offered by the nongovernmental organization Heal Palestine is not just about technique: In the water, they experience freedom of movement, courage and moments of carefree childhood.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
Heal Palestine is a non-political, nonprofit organization founded in January 2024 in response to the devastation in Gaza. From life-saving medical care to nutrition, shelter and care for orphaned children, their work focuses on four pillars: health, aid, education and leadership. “Healing is not limited to medical treatment, prosthetics or emergency aid,” the organization states on its website.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
Rimas Abu Shalouf is 16 years old and lost both legs as a result of a war injury. She trains with Heal Palestine at a swimming pool in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The water supports her body and allows her to move in ways that are more difficult on land. Every stroke across the pool becomes a small step toward strength and self-confidence.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
While the children’s prosthetics are indispensable aids on land, they can be left behind in the water. The program began in partnership with Tantish Swimming Academy Gaza, welcoming 36 children from central Gaza in its first session. The group included 22 boys and 14 girls, all of whom are living through the effects of injury, loss, displacement and trauma.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
Sama Abu Khuswan is 12 years old and lost a leg after being injured in the war. Now she is one of the children learning to swim in Khan Younis. In the water, she can build strength, balance and coordination. At the same time, it’s about more than just physical progress: Every attempt is meant to restore a little self-confidence and joy.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance
In the water, the focus is not on what the children have lost, but what they can rediscover: strength, confidence and a zest for life. As they swim, play and learn together, they experience their bodies in a new way. In the pool, they are meant to feel free and carefree. For a short time, war and loss fade into the background.
Image: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo/picture alliance7 images1 | 77 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5JD2J
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