In the ravaged streets of Gaza, twelve-year-old Abdur Rahman Al-Nashash clings to the strings of his oud, the traditional Middle Eastern lute that has become both his solace and his companion. Abdur Rahman lost his father in a brutal Israeli attack on Al-Raji School and suffered severe injuries himself, including the amputation of one leg. Following extensive medical treatment, he returned to the densely populated Burj Refugee Camp in central Gaza, where life continues under the shadow of displacement and relentless conflict.
The boy’s connection to the oud began in childhood. His father gifted him his first instrument and personally guided his early lessons, fostering a love of music that offered a fragile sense of normalcy. That rhythm was shattered in the attack, leaving Abdur Rahman bereft and physically constrained. Yet, even amid grief and trauma, he found comfort in music. The oud, with its plaintive tones, became a vessel for both his sorrow and his enduring hope.
Photographs shared by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency show Abdur Rahman playing his oud alongside friends, a rare glimpse of childhood resilience amid devastation. During treatment in Jordan, where he received a prosthetic leg, he was unable to keep his father’s cherished instrument. But back in Burj Camp, a teacher recognising his musical talent presented him with a new oud, rekindling his artistic spirit.
Burj Camp is home to thousands of Palestinian families, most of whom live in dire conditions as a result of long-term displacement and ongoing blockade. Life in the camp is precarious, with repeated attacks exacerbating humanitarian crises.
The following table summarises the recent toll of violence in Gaza:
| Incident | Number/Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palestinian fatalities | 71,400+ | Majority women and children |
| Palestinian injuries | 171,300+ | Exact number of severe injuries unknown |
| Ceasefire announced | 10 October 2023 | Attacks continue in some areas |
| Refugee families in Burj Camp | Thousands | Living under extreme hardship |
Since the start of the Israeli assault on 7 October 2023, Gaza has been reduced to ruins. Daily life is characterised by scarcity, trauma, and uncertainty. For children like Abdur Rahman, music is a quiet form of resistance—a testament to endurance, memory, and hope. His oud does more than echo sorrow; it reverberates resilience, offering a symbol of life’s persistence in the face of unimaginable loss.