Carrying their surfboards past tents and bombed-out buildings, a group of young surfers in Gaza City headed to the Mediterranean Sea in search of relief from the hardships of war.
For 23-year-old Tahseen Abu Assi, surfing has become more than a sport. He said riding the waves gives him a sense of freedom and safety despite the destruction surrounding him.
Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in October, violence continues across Gaza, with both sides accusing each other of frequent violations. Even the sea remains dangerous, as several fishermen have reportedly been injured by Israeli naval fire in recent months.
Despite the risks, Gaza’s surfers continue to return to the water, describing the ocean as one of the few places where they can momentarily escape the realities of conflict.
