Despite the devastation and destruction along Gaza’s coastline, local artists are bringing moments of joy and creativity to the besieged enclave. Palestinian sculptors have turned the beaches of Gaza into temporary canvases, crafting sand sculptures that provide residents—especially children—a brief escape from the trauma of war.

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Art as a Form of Resilience

With most of Gaza reduced to rubble by continued Israeli military strikes, the beach has become one of the few remaining spaces where Palestinians can gather and express themselves. Using limited resources, artists such as Yazid Abu Jarad carve letters and images in the sand, drawing crowds who find comfort and distraction in the artwork.

“When we create art on Gaza’s beach, we see so many people gather around us. It brings joy—you can see it on the faces of children and even the elderly,” Abu Jarad told Al Jazeera. “People drift into a different world for a moment, away from bombings and drones. Even a small picture can change how they feel.”

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Creativity Despite Scarcity

With professional tools destroyed or inaccessible, the artists use anything at hand—small brushes, sticks, and broken tiles—to sculpt the sand. Each day, the tide erases their work, but the sculptors return the next morning to start again.

Majd Ayada, another local artist, said: “We come back the next day and start again. Art is our talent—we love sculpting and drawing on Gaza’s soil. Even after two years of war, we never give up.”

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Supporting the Community

The sand sculptures do more than create visual beauty—they foster community resilience. Families living in makeshift shelters near the beach observe the art, giving children a sense of hope and connection to their homeland.

Fathi Abu Maoud, a displaced father, explained: “It makes my family happy to see the children and young people sculpting and creating images of Gaza. We were born here, our children were born here… This is our home. We’re rooted in Gaza.”

The sculptures, although temporary, symbolize the persistence and creativity of Palestinians under siege. The beach art gatherings offer a rare opportunity for families to experience normalcy and cultural expression amidst ongoing conflict.

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The Role of Art in Conflict Zones

Art has long been a form of psychological relief and social cohesion in war zones. In Gaza, the ephemeral nature of sand sculptures mirrors the fragility of life in the region. Yet, it also underscores the resilience of individuals determined to maintain their cultural identity and bring hope to their communities.

The daily return of artists to the beach demonstrates a steadfast commitment to creativity and humanity, even under extreme adversity.