A peace camp in Cyprus is working to build friendships between Israeli and Palestinian children, all of whom have been affected by conflict. The 2025 Youth Peace Camp, organised by the Parents Circle Families Forum, brought together teenagers from Israel and the West Bank for a week of activities and dialogue.
This year's camp took place against the backdrop of Israel's war in Gaza, with producer Natalie Ktena from the Today in Focus podcast attending to see if the children could still come together. Despite the ongoing violence, participants engaged in trust-building exercises and open conversations about their experiences.
The camp aims to show that personal connections can transcend political divides. With a ceasefire plan now agreed for Gaza, organisers hope the friendships formed at the camp could offer a model for a more sustainable peace in the region.
