DEIR AL-BALAH, The Gaza Strip (AP) — Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where a fragile ceasefire is currently in place, a small group of Palestinian surfers has found moments of joy and relief on the Mediterranean waves. Despite the severe conditions, these surfers are determined to embrace their passion.
According to Tahseen Abu Assi, one of the few surfers remaining in Gaza City, there are only three or four men actively surfing due to a severe shortage of surfboards and materials for repairs. Abu Assi has carried his surfboard throughout various displacements during two years of conflict, expressing his concern over the inability to replace it. He highlighted the fact that since 2007, no surfboards have been allowed into Palestinian territories as Israel has banned such sports equipment.
On a recent Tuesday, Abu Assi was joined by Khalil Abu Jiab and another surfer at the Gaza City port. Abu Jiab joyfully rode the waves, arms raised in exhilaration. However, restrictions from the Israeli military have heavily limited sea activities, with reports indicating that Palestinian fishermen have faced attacks both onshore and at sea. The United Nations has noted that access for fishing and swimming is perilous, particularly as Gaza's waters have been declared a "no-go zone" by Israel.
Despite the risks, surfers like Abu Assi remain undeterred. He stated, "There is fear, of course, but we can’t leave this sport." He recounted how, even during intense bombing and military activity, he and his fellow surfers would venture into the surf. Notably, Gaza’s waves are seldom high enough for surfing, so when conditions are right, surfers make the most of the opportunity, leaving behind their daily responsibilities to enjoy the waves.
The situation escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Israel's conflict with Hamas reignited following a militant attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, predominantly among civilians, alongside 251 hostages taken. The impact of Israel's military offensive in Gaza has been devastating, with claims of around 72,628 Palestinian lives lost and over 172,520 injuries reported, according to Gaza's Health Ministry data.
The aftermath of the war has left Palestinians grappling with severe shortages of food, clean water, medical care, and adequate shelter, as infrastructure has been extensively damaged and a majority of the population displaced. Yet, amidst despair, the surfers of Gaza find fleeting solace in their beloved sport. "As soon as the sea gets high, you leave your work and leave your whole life," Abu Assi expressed. "Work can be caught up on, as they say. We go practice this sport."
The passion for surfing persists even in the face of adversity, highlighting the resilience and spirit of the Gazan people as they continue to navigate their complex realities.
