In the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, a group of children find rare moments of respite through breakdancing. Amid the rubble and mangled metal, they practice fast footwork and spins, their movements a stark contrast to the destruction around them.
Habiba Abu Khater, one of the young dancers, said she discovered her talent for breakdancing at the centre. 'I come here to release the negative energy inside me and to enjoy,' she explained. The school, established in 2004, offers breakdance, gymnastics, and contemporary dance to children aged five to 14.
Instructor Fayez Saraj said the programme helps build self-confidence and improve mental health. 'The movements help the child with psychological release, especially from the difficult situations we experienced during the years of war,' he said. 'We have a significant role in moving them from an atmosphere of depression and frustration to one of joy.'
Israel's military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 72,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and caused widespread destruction. The war began after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages on 7 October 2023. A fragile ceasefire took effect on 10 October, but deadly Israeli strikes have repeatedly disrupted it.
