In a Gaza Strip ravaged by an endless war, a marathon offered a breath of joy and freedom to the inhabitants.
Despite the absence of women on the starting line, in accordance with rules imposed by Hamas for years, the participants' enthusiasm was palpable. Under a blazing sun, these amateur athletes donned their jerseys, determined to celebrate life despite the hardships.
Kamel Khatib, a participant from Nuseirat, shared his emotion: " It's a wonderful feeling to enjoy a ceasefire and see the bloodshed stop. Today, we feel free. It used to be impossible to walk without fear on Salah al-Din Street. But today, we run together, and it's an indescribable joy."
Organized by the Emirati group Al Fares , this event brought together runners from across the Gaza Strip. For many, it was their first sporting activity in over two years, a breath of fresh air in a stifling daily life.
In the midst of this war and its hardships, running today was an incredible experience. After more than two years without sport, I feel reborn. And winning first place is an unforgettable source of pride, says Mahmoud Abu Sbeitan, a participant from Deir Al-Balah.
The race took place on Salah al-Din Street , a thoroughfare once rendered impassable by the rubble of war. Those four kilometers run together became a symbol of a will to rebuild. Yet, behind this glimmer of hope, the harsh reality remains: famine, lack of humanitarian aid, and destruction persist, underscoring the urgent need for lasting peace.
