In a recent documentary, "Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone," co-directed by Yousef Hammash and Jamie Roberts, the harsh realities faced by children in Gaza are captured through the lives of three young individuals. The film offers a rare glimpse into their daily struggles, resilience, and the relentless violence engulfing their lives, emphasizing their role in the war-torn region.
The Harrowing Reality of Childhood in War-Torn Gaza: Insights From a New Documentary
The Harrowing Reality of Childhood in War-Torn Gaza: Insights From a New Documentary
A BBC documentary delves into the lives of three children in Gaza, showcasing their struggles for survival amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
ZAKARIA, an 11-year-old boy, spends his time at al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza, assisting paramedics and rescuing victims from the chaos outside. With an age that typically equates to school days, Zakaria has instead witnessed immense devastation and countless deaths since the beginning of the conflict. He recalls seeing thousands of bodies, including friends, and recounts the trauma of witnessing horrific events, such as the death of a child in a fire caused by an Israeli strike.
This documentary, created by Roberts and Hammash, uses local cameramen to gather footage, as international journalists have been barred from entering Gaza since the beginning of hostilities over 16 months ago. The documentary's focus is to shed light on the everyday experiences of Gazans, particularly children, in the dire circumstances that characterize their lives amid war.
Alongside Zakaria, the documentary follows Abdullah, a 13-year-old boy who continues his studies despite the war's interruptions. He attended a British school before the onset of violence and strives to maintain his education amidst the chaos. Another child, Renad, only 10 years old, has garnered attention on TikTok for her cooking show, demonstrating resilience and creativity despite unavailability of resources.
Rana, a 24-year-old mother, adds another layer to the story, having given birth prematurely and repeatedly been displaced. She currently lives with her family near the hospital, facing similar relentless hardships as many others.
While the narrative captures children’s struggles to find food, safety, and opportunities for normalcy, it also underscores the harsh reality within humanitarian zones that have faced attacks despite their designation as safe spaces. The ongoing conflict reportedly has claimed more than 48,000 lives in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks on Southern Israel in October 2023.
Throughout the film, hospital staff attempt to nurture the remnants of childhood in Zakaria. They even create a pair of miniature scrubs for him to wear, acknowledging his desire to be part of the medical team. One paramedic, Said, mentors him, trying to help Zakaria retain a semblance of childhood even as he grapples with the darkness surrounding him.
In a rare moment of respite, a scene at the beach showcases a brief escape from adversity for Zakaria, who harbors dreams of becoming a paramedic, but first longs to escape the ravages of war. As said, "I want to be a paramedic, but first, I need to get out of here."
This documentary, premiering on BBC Two, aims not only to raise awareness but to humanize the experiences of Gazan children amid one of the world's most extended conflicts. Through their eyes, audiences are reminded of the profound impact of war on the most vulnerable populations—children.
This documentary, created by Roberts and Hammash, uses local cameramen to gather footage, as international journalists have been barred from entering Gaza since the beginning of hostilities over 16 months ago. The documentary's focus is to shed light on the everyday experiences of Gazans, particularly children, in the dire circumstances that characterize their lives amid war.
Alongside Zakaria, the documentary follows Abdullah, a 13-year-old boy who continues his studies despite the war's interruptions. He attended a British school before the onset of violence and strives to maintain his education amidst the chaos. Another child, Renad, only 10 years old, has garnered attention on TikTok for her cooking show, demonstrating resilience and creativity despite unavailability of resources.
Rana, a 24-year-old mother, adds another layer to the story, having given birth prematurely and repeatedly been displaced. She currently lives with her family near the hospital, facing similar relentless hardships as many others.
While the narrative captures children’s struggles to find food, safety, and opportunities for normalcy, it also underscores the harsh reality within humanitarian zones that have faced attacks despite their designation as safe spaces. The ongoing conflict reportedly has claimed more than 48,000 lives in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks on Southern Israel in October 2023.
Throughout the film, hospital staff attempt to nurture the remnants of childhood in Zakaria. They even create a pair of miniature scrubs for him to wear, acknowledging his desire to be part of the medical team. One paramedic, Said, mentors him, trying to help Zakaria retain a semblance of childhood even as he grapples with the darkness surrounding him.
In a rare moment of respite, a scene at the beach showcases a brief escape from adversity for Zakaria, who harbors dreams of becoming a paramedic, but first longs to escape the ravages of war. As said, "I want to be a paramedic, but first, I need to get out of here."
This documentary, premiering on BBC Two, aims not only to raise awareness but to humanize the experiences of Gazan children amid one of the world's most extended conflicts. Through their eyes, audiences are reminded of the profound impact of war on the most vulnerable populations—children.
