Amid the rubble-strewn streets of Gaza, twelve-year-old Abdur Rahman Al-Nashash clings to life through the haunting notes of his oud. This traditional Middle Eastern lute has become both his constant companion and a source of mental resilience. In a brutal Israeli strike, his father was killed at Al-Razi School, and Abdur Rahman himself was gravely injured, resulting in the amputation of one leg. After an extended period of medical treatment, he returned to the densely populated Burj refugee camp, where life continues under the shadow of displacement and ongoing conflict.
Abdur Rahman’s bond with the oud dates back to early childhood. His father gifted him the instrument and personally taught him to play, instilling in him a sense of small normalities amid a turbulent world. The music once provided a fragile refuge from the hardships of daily life. Even after the devastation of the attack, and despite enduring profound grief and physical pain, Abdur Rahman has sought solace in music. The melancholic tones of his oud carry both his sorrow and a persistent hope for the future.
Today, his musical talent is flourishing once again in Burj camp. Photographs by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency show Abdur Rahman performing alongside friends—a rare glimpse of childhood perseverance amid destruction. During his treatment in Jordan, where he received a prosthetic leg, he could not retain his father’s cherished oud. However, upon returning to Burj, a local teacher recognised his talent and gifted him a new oud, reigniting his artistic spirit.
Life in Burj refugee camp is exceptionally challenging. Thousands of Palestinian families reside there, enduring extreme hardship due to prolonged displacement and ongoing blockade. Recurrent attacks further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, rendering everyday survival precarious.
The following table summarises the recent toll of violence in Gaza:
| Event | Number / Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palestinian fatalities | 71,400+ | Majority women and children |
| Palestinian injuries | 171,300+ | Exact number of severe injuries unknown |
| Ceasefire declared | 10 October 2023 | Some areas still experiencing attacks |
| Refugee families in Burj | Thousands | Living under extreme poverty |
Since the Israeli strikes began on 7 October 2023, Gaza has faced widespread destruction. Daily life is limited, psychologically taxing, and fraught with uncertainty. For children like Abdur Rahman, music represents a form of peaceful resistance—carrying patience, memory, and hope. His oud resonates not merely as an echo of sorrow but as a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of life, illustrating that even in the bleakest moments, human courage can survive.