Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip who lost limbs during the Israel-Hamas war are participating in swimming lessons in the city of Khan Yunis. They are coached by a trainer who is also an amputee, with the hope of helping the children regain confidence and heal mentally after suffering injuries and displacement from the war.
Palestinian children who lost arms or legs in the Israel-Hamas war, which began on 7 Oct 2023 GMT+7, are attending swimming classes in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza. The lessons aim to restore both their physical health and mental well-being after living through loss and displacement.
The Tanteesh Foundation, together with the Heal Palestine organization, organizes swimming lessons for children who have lost limbs, whether due to this war or other causes. The swimming coach is also an amputee who has gone through similar experiences.
Nur al-Din Kashkous, a swimming coach displaced from the city of Beit Lahia who lost one leg during the war, said many children were mentally distressed when they first joined the program. But as soon as they entered the pool and felt the water, their mood changed and their confidence began to grow.
He said that amid the hardships faced by the community, children should at least have access to places for sports and education, which are fundamental human rights.
Saadi al-Masri, another coach displaced from Beit Lahia and also an amputee, said caring for children after such traumatic experiences is not easy. The team starts by helping to restore their mental health. He shared his own story with the children, explaining that he too lost limbs and went through difficult times but overcame them through determination and encouragement.
On Friday, the foundation also held a swimming event in the sea near the coast of Khan Yunis, close to the port. More than 1,000 children are expected to participate, including both amputee and non-amputee children, giving them a chance to enjoy the water, have fun, and experience moments of happiness amid war and displacement.
Shaima Hamuda, a displaced girl from Beit Lahia who joined the swimming lessons, said that being in the pool helped her temporarily escape the life of living in a tent.
Swimming coach Rogaya Babub said that children in Gaza have almost no places left to play and release energy, as many amusement parks and swimming pools are no longer operational. She emphasized that all children have the right to education, sports, love, and family care, even while living amid war.