In the heart of Gaza City, where the scars of war run deep, a bold initiative is offering a glimmer of hope to children who have endured unimaginable trauma. Imagine a place where the sound of laughter replaces the echoes of bombs, where children, for a fleeting moment, can escape the ruins of their shattered lives. This is the story of makeshift movie screenings that are doing just that—bringing a sense of normalcy to those who need it most. But here’s where it gets controversial: can art truly heal the wounds of war, or is it merely a temporary distraction from a harsh reality?
Palestinian filmmaker Mustafa al-Nabih believes the former. He describes the initiative as a way for Gaza’s children to ‘glimpse a better reality,’ a chance to hold on to hope and imagination in the face of devastation. Published on December 5, 2025, this effort comes at a critical time, as children in Gaza City continue to grapple with the aftermath of over two years of relentless bombardment, displacement, and loss. The destruction of homes, schools, and the tragic deaths of family and friends during Israel’s genocidal war have left indelible marks on their young minds. And this is the part most people miss: even in the midst of ceasefire violations by Israel, these screenings provide a rare sanctuary of joy and solace.
Volunteers have transformed one of the city’s displacement camps into a makeshift cinema, complete with a screen that flickers to life under the stars. Here, children can laugh, dream, and simply be kids—a luxury many have been denied for far too long. Minass al-Jabour, the initiative’s media coordinator, explains, ‘We’re here to create a positive vibe for the children, to help them skip the hard scenes they’ve lived through during the war.’ It’s a small but powerful act of resistance against the despair that threatens to consume them.
The numbers are staggering: since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have killed at least 20,000 children and injured tens of thousands more, according to Gaza’s health authorities. Over 55,000 children have lost one or both parents. With 92 percent of the enclave’s schools severely damaged or destroyed, formal education has been out of reach for most children for two years. For many, these screenings are the first time they’ve watched a movie since the conflict began.
Sara Abu Sharbi, a displaced girl in the camp, shared her experience with Al Jazeera: ‘This is something new for me. I came out of the war, and they are giving us so many activities, including cinema… and we really enjoyed it.’ Her words, spoken against a backdrop of flimsy tents and rubble-strewn buildings, are a testament to the resilience of these children and the impact of such initiatives.
Mustafa al-Nabih emphasizes the transformative power of art, particularly cinema. ‘A child who has seen so much blood and loss can, through cinema, glimpse a better reality,’ he says. ‘It transports them into a world of imagination, love, and beauty. It moves their mind, lets them reach for a distant horizon, and shows them colors, stories, and moments that take them out of the ruin around them.’
But is this enough? While these screenings offer a temporary escape, they also raise questions about the long-term solutions needed to address the deep-rooted trauma and systemic issues faced by Gaza’s children. Are initiatives like these a band-aid on a gaping wound, or can they genuinely contribute to healing and rebuilding? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you believe art can play a significant role in recovery, or is it merely a fleeting distraction? Share your perspective in the comments below.
