Arabic version: راكبو الأمواج في غزة يجدون ملاذًا في أمواج البحر الأبيض المتوسط

A group of surfers in Gaza is seeking solace in the Mediterranean Sea, navigating through bombed-out buildings and makeshift tents to reach the water. Despite the ongoing risks of Israeli attacks, the surfers find a brief escape from their harsh realities in the waves.

According to Al Jazeera, Tahseen Abu Assi, a 23-year-old surfer, expressed the indescribable joy of riding the waves, a skill he learned from his father. “Even with the war, the shelling, and the destruction, we’re still continuing with this sport, because it lets us breathe and makes us feel safe,” he said.

A ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas came into effect in Gaza in October, after Israel’s devastating two-year war on the enclave. However, violence continues to plague Gaza. Reports of fishermen being injured by Israeli naval gunfire highlight the persistent dangers, even in the water. “At any moment, shells or explosives could land near you,” Abu Assi noted, emphasizing the precariousness of their situation.

The surfers face significant challenges due to the war, including severe shortages of surfing equipment. Abdel Rahim Ustadh, 19, mentioned that surf wax is unavailable, forcing them to use candle wax to maintain their boards. The preservation of their aging surfboards is crucial, as losing any equipment threatens their ability to continue surfing.

Khalil Abu Jiyab, 18, lamented the decline of the surfing community in Gaza, which once boasted a team of 17 surfers. Now, only three continue the sport, struggling against the odds. Despite the challenges, he holds onto the hope of competing outside Gaza one day. “The only outlet in Gaza is the sea; without it, life would have vanished long ago,” he said.