GAZA, (PIC)
In a scene where grief met hope, dozens of kites soared above the beach in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza on Thursday, carrying the names of children who lost their families during the war in a symbolic attempt to reclaim part of their stolen childhood.
The event was organized by the humanitarian organization Husam Foundation for children who lost their parents and close relatives during the Israeli war on Gaza.
Participants wrote their names and dreams on colorful kites before releasing them into the sky, sending a message of resilience despite the harsh reality surrounding them.
Faheema Al-Jaabari, a representative of the foundation, said the activity was designed to ease the psychological trauma inflicted on children by the Israeli assault and to lift their spirits amid the severe conditions they continue to endure.
She explained that the event is part of the “Dreams of the Sole Survivor” project, launched by the organization in July 2025 at the height of the war. The initiative supports children who were left as the only surviving members of their families.
“Every child here carries a story of loss and pain,” Al-Jaabari said. “Some were trapped under the rubble with their families. Every child has a story that cannot be forgotten.”
She added that the purpose of the gathering was to renew hope. “Today, we release their dreams into Gaza’s sky to say that hope still exists,” she said.
According to Al-Jaabari, the foundation is currently caring for 35 children classified as sole survivors, providing them with shelter, food, and psychological support.
Among them was young Lamees Kahil, who lost both of her parents during the war. Standing beside her siblings, she tried to steady her kite against the sea breeze.
“I lost my mother and father, and my three brothers were injured,” she said, explaining that she now lives with her siblings at the foundation’s shelter.
Lamees said she sought refuge there after being unable to find a safe place for her brothers and sisters.
“Life is difficult after losing your father and mother,” she said. “But we are trying to adapt.” She also called on the international community to intervene and bring an end to the Israeli attacks.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development, nearly 55,000 children lost one or both parents during the most recent Israeli war on the Strip.
Although a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, humanitarian and health conditions remain dire in Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians, including 1.4 million displaced people, as the consequences of the war continue.
Israel launched its devastating war on Gaza on Oct. 8, 2023, with US backing. The assault killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and wounded over 172,000 others, most of them women and children, while destroying roughly 90 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure.
