Dreams amid ruins: Gaza’s children speak

Amid the devastation in Gaza, the voices of young survivors emerge as symbols of resilience and hope, even in the face of profound loss.

Eight-year-old Mosab Zanon, who lost his entire family in Rafah, clings to a vision of healing others. “I dream of becoming a doctor to heal people, especially children,” he says.

Khadija Eyad al-Qaisi, 12, whose father was killed in Khan Yunis, longs for the simplicity of peace. “I dream of going back to school and living in peace,” she shared.

Tayseer Abu Shahma, 9, who lost his family in Al-Sheikh Naser, Khan Yunis, dreams of brightening smiles. “I dream of becoming a dentist,” he says with determination.

For Dina Ahmad Jamil Abu Khater, 10, the wounds are both emotional and immeasurable. As the sole survivor of a massacre that took her family, she recalls a life she yearns to reclaim. “I dream of going back to the life I loved before the war. I miss my mom and dad,” she shared.

Seven-year-old Yahya Awida, who lost his father and brother, finds solace in following in his father’s footsteps. “I dream of becoming an engineer like my dad,” he says with quiet pride.

Lian Al-Sory, 13, and Ismaeel Jabr Othman, 11, both of whom lost their fathers, hold onto the ambition of becoming doctors, hoping to bring healing to others despite the deep scars of their own losses.

These young voices echo the resilience of the human spirit and shine through even the darkest moments of hardship. Their dreams are a powerful plea for a future without conflict, where they can rebuild their lives with hope and opportunity.