2024-10-14

In a step that reflects the insistence of Palestinian civil society on providing psychological and recreational support to children in the Gaza Strip, activists from the Palestinian Society for the Protection of Land and Humanity organized a recreational activity for displaced children in Khan Yunis. This activity, which took place at Akka School located in the southern Gaza Strip, was an outlet for hope and joy amidst the gloomy atmosphere experienced by children in Gaza due to the ongoing war. **Activity objectives** This activity was organized on October 14, 2024, and targeted 30 displaced children who suffer from psychological and emotional difficulties due to the difficult situation in the Strip. The main objective of the activity was to provide moments of entertainment and joy for children who live daily in the shadow of the suffering of war and destruction. Perhaps the most prominent focus was on working to get children out of the circle of daily suffering they are exposed to, by creating a safe environment that allows them the opportunity to interact and play away from their worries and pressures. **Recreational Activities** The activity focused on a variety of group and individual games that aim to enhance social interaction between children and raise their morale. The activities included sports and intellectual games, in addition to artistic activities such as drawing and handicrafts, which allow children to express themselves and their ideas in a creative and safe way. The activities also included competitions and entertaining singing parties, which added an atmosphere of joy and happiness to the attendees. **The Impact of the Activity on Children** Through this activity, children were able to undergo new social experiences in an environment free of the stress and psychological pressures they suffer from as a result of the political and military situation in Gaza. It was clear that such activities enhance children's ability to adapt to difficult situations, as play is considered a primary means for them to preserve some of their lost childhood in the midst of this war. This type of activity plays a major role in enhancing children's psychological ability to deal with what they face in their daily lives. **The Role of the Palestinian Society for the Protection of Land and Humanity** The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Land and Humanity has proven through these recreational activities that it is not limited to protecting the land only, but extends to include humans, especially children who are most affected in difficult times. Through the various initiatives offered by the association, the organizers seek to provide psychological and social support to children through programs that aim to provide a space for self-expression and achieve inner peace. **Conclusion** Recreational activities for displaced children in Gaza are an important step towards enhancing children’s psychological resilience in the face of the challenges imposed by the tragic reality in the Strip. As long as there is continued support from local organizations such as the Palestinian Society for the Protection of Land and Humanity, we hope that these activities and other initiatives will remain a means to reduce the negative psychological impact that wars leave on an entire generation of children..