Palestinian artist paints walls of Gaza's shattered buildings to bring some joy ahead of Ramadan

Описание: (16 Feb 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Khan Younis, Gaza strip – 15 February 2026
1. Various of artists painting wall
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Hani Dahman, artist: ++SOUNDBITE STARTS ON PREVIOUS SHOT AND IS OVERLAID BY SHOT3-4++
“Here in Khan Younis, we are bringing joy to the hearts of children, women, men, and all families in this most devastated neighborhood. Under the rubble beside us lie the bodies of martyrs. We are decorating this neighborhood to bring happiness and send a message to the world that we are a people searching for life.”
3. Various of workers hanging decoration
4. Various of artists painting wall
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammad Taniri, from Khan Younis: ++SOUNDBITE STARTS ON PREVIOUS SHOT AND IS OVERLAID BY SHOT6-7++
“War and closures from all sides—when they provide simple decorations like this, it brings joy to the children and the people, changing the oppressive atmosphere they live in. Despite all the hardships, they are trying to create a positive atmosphere.”
6. Various of destroyed wall with writing (Arabic) "Palestine", with Palestinian flag
7. Various of children among rubble
STORYLINE:
On a concrete slab amid rubble and war-destroyed buildings, calligrapher and artist Hani Dahman dips his brush in paint and carefully writes in Arabic: “Welcome, Ramadan.” Children gather behind him, watching each stroke.

Entire blocks stand hollowed, their facades torn away after more than two years of relentless fighting and bombardment that have left much of Gaza in ruins and displaced most of its people.

Historic landmarks, once symbols of community life, lie shattered, and the broader reconstruction of the territory is stalled by ongoing humanitarian and political challenges.

Yet from one shattered balcony to another, strands of red Ramadan decorations are draped across the ruins. Volunteers step carefully over the wreckage, helping with decorations.

For Muslims in Gaza, Ramadan — expected to begin in late February this year — is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, community and reflection.

“We are here in Khan Younis camp, trying to bring happiness to the hearts of children, women, men and entire families,” Dahman said.

“From one of the most devastated neighborhoods in Khan Younis — where the bodies of martyrs still remain beneath the rubble — we are making it more beautiful and sending a message to the world that we are people who seek life,” he added.

Nearby, resident Mohammed Taniri watched the decorations take shape.

“When they provide such beautiful, simple decorations, it brings joy to the children. Despite all the struggle, they are trying to create a beautiful atmosphere,” he said.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected].

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...