World · Middle East · 2 days ago

Gaza’s junior surf lifesaving program returns after three years of war

Gaza Nippers, a junior surf lifesaving program for children, has returned to the beach near Al-Shati refugee camp after a three-year suspension.

The program was developed in Gaza in 2017, and its first summer season began in 2023.

It stopped in October that year after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel and Israel began its military offensive in Gaza.

Of the 45 children in the original group, 15 have been found alive and were invited back to the beach.

The others remain missing, unreachable or have died, including Ali, the 15-year-old son of program coordinator Hassan Al-Habeel.

He died in his father’s arms before Al-Habeel could reach the nearest hospital for help.

The children who returned spent time swimming, playing and dancing, despite damaged equipment and difficult conditions.

The program’s return offers children a chance to play, but the fate of many from the original group remains unknown.

What people are saying

I wanted to prepare [Ali] to be a lifeguard, so when he gets older, he would teach children how to swim on the shores of Gaza

Hassan Al-HabeelGaza Nippers coordinatorvia Guardian

But unfortunately, the war took Ali from us as it took many children in Gaza.

Hassan Al-HabeelGaza Nippers coordinatorvia Guardian

And now I see children play without Ali, which is difficult for me, but what can we do? That’s the decree of God.

Hassan Al-HabeelGaza Nippers coordinatorvia Guardian

I can’t confirm anything without evidence because it’s not easy to declare something like that.

Shamikh BadraGaza Nippers co-foundervia Guardian

Guardian · 2 days ago