Photo credit: www.cbc.ca

Boxing in Khan Younis: Young Girls Find Resilience Amidst War

In a camp for internally displaced people in Khan Younis, 17-year-old Mai Ayoub prepares for her boxing class, her stance strong on the gritty ground. Alongside a small group of girls, she stands on a well-worn red and beige straw mat, their only equipment for this evening’s training.

“We train because we’re in a state of fear,” Mai explains. “We’re stressed,” highlighting the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has entered its 11th month. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, nearly 80% of the population in Gaza has been displaced to designated safe zones in the region.

The classes are led by Ousama Ayoub, a passionate boxing coach who aims to help young girls cope with the myriad challenges presented by war. Despite sharing a last name, Ousama is not related to Mai. He travels to various camps and schools, offering these girls a chance to express themselves through sport. “The girls reach out for us to come because they enjoy boxing,” he recounts. “We have energy we want to get out.”

WATCH | Young girls join a boxing class to deal with the stress of displacement and war:

Forced out of northern Gaza, boxers train in camps for the displaced

A Makeshift Boxing Gym

As evening descends on Khan Younis, Ousama supervises his eager students, guiding them through a series of combinations that include jabs and uppercuts. The backdrop of the war weighs heavily on them, yet the boxing mat offers a temporary respite.

Before the outbreak of hostilities, Ousama ran a gym in Gaza City, actively training over 50 girls — mostly university students — in the sport traditionally dominated by males. His mission was to empower them to face their fears through boxing, instilling confidence and strength. However, following the escalation of violence on October 7, his own gym was destroyed, along with his home and training equipment, leaving him to adapt to the harsh realities of war.

For many participants, this boxing class is a rare opportunity to compartmentalize their anxieties and engage in physical activity. Mai, who has been boxing for four years, remarks, “We box so we can get all the negative energy out of us.”

Shrinking Safe Zones Amid Ceasefire Talks

The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and taking hostages. Israeli military responses led to extensive casualties in Gaza, with reports suggesting over 40,000 lives lost. As diplomatic efforts attempt to broker a ceasefire, the situation remains precarious.

Recent negotiations in Doha sought to establish a path toward relief for the people in Gaza and mitigate regional tensions. However, as highlighted in a joint statement from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, discussions remain ongoing, with an outcome yet to materialize.

WATCH | A renewed U.S. push for a ceasefire:

U.S. renews push for Middle East ceasefire

In a recent statement, Hamas expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations but called for a concrete mechanism for implementing a ceasefire rather than just discussions. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that current negotiations could be among the last chances for achieving a ceasefire while also focusing on the release of hostages.

The dire living conditions in Gaza persist as approximately 83% of the region has been designated a “no-go zone” by the Israeli military, further complicating the humanitarian situation.

Boxing Relieves Stress of War

As the sun sets and dusk envelops Khan Younis, the boxing class draws to a close. The rhythmic thud of fists landing on palms provides a therapeutic release for the girls as they channel their emotions into their punches.

Ousama, attentive to each student, moves through the line, encouraging them to push their limits with every shout of instruction. The intensity of the training mirrors their desire to combat the weight of their experiences. “I hope the war will end soon,” Mai shares. “So we can go abroad and compete against other countries.”

After an hour of focused training, Mai, along with her friends, makes her way back along the sandy path to a temporary home within the camp, carrying with her the hope and strength fostered through boxing.

Source
www.cbc.ca