In Gaza, amputee children find confidence and hope in a swimming pool

**Amputee Children in Gaza Find Confidence Through Swimming Program**

*Deir al‑Balah, Gaza Strip – August 30, 2026* – A swimming initiative in the central Gaza city of Deir al‑Balah is providing amputee children with a safe environment to rebuild confidence, cope with the psychological effects of the ongoing conflict, and learn basic swimming skills.

The program, launched in early July 2026, is a joint effort by the Al‑Shifa Palestine Foundation and Tanzeef Swimming Academy. It currently serves 22 children, with plans to double enrollment as demand grows among amputee and orphaned youths in the region.

**Coaching Amidst Conflict**

Nour al‑Din Mohammed Mustafa Qashqash, a former swimming coach who was displaced from Beit Lahia, now leads the training sessions. Qashqash, who was wounded while working as a pharmacist at an improvised medical point, says he was shot by an Israeli sniper while providing first aid to a child. Despite his injury, he returned to the pool to coach children with limb loss.

“I was a swimming coach before the conflict,” Qashqash told reporters. “Adapting to train children with amputations has been very difficult, but faith and patience have helped me continue.”

He received guidance from experienced trainers, including Saadi al‑Masri and coach Khudair, a member of the Palestine national swimming team, to adapt techniques for the participants’ needs.

**Program Structure and Goals**

Ibrahim Abu Jarad, director of the swimming project at Al‑Shifa Palestine Foundation, explained that the three‑month program employs a team of 12 staff members, including four male and four female swimming coaches, lifeguards, and supervisors. In addition to swimming instruction, the initiative incorporates psychological support supervised by specialized trainers to address war‑related stress and anxiety.

“The aim is not only to teach swimming,” Abu Jarad said. “We want to provide a space where children can express themselves, regain confidence, and interact with peers.”

One participant, Ahmed Abdullah, who lost his father and siblings during the conflict, recounted his progress: “I didn’t know how to swim before. The coaches taught me the movements and how to swim,” he said.

**Challenges and Appeals for Support**

The program faces logistical hurdles, including restrictions on the import of flotation devices, life jackets, and other essential equipment. Maintaining water quality and ensuring safe transportation for the children also present ongoing concerns.

Qashqash appealed to international organizations for assistance: “We need equipment and resources to improve the children’s psychological wellbeing and enable them to return to physical activity.”

**Funding and Disclaimers**

The project was produced with financial support from CFI, Expertise France, and the European Union. The content reflects the views of the program’s beneficiaries and does not represent the official positions of the funding bodies.

Article and image source: english.pnn.ps