Gaza Surfers Ride Waves Amid Crisis

DEIR ALBALAH, Gaza Strip - Amid a severe humanitarian crisis and a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a small group of Palestinian surfers continues to ride the Mediterranean waves, seizing rare moments of joy off the territory's coast.

Only three or four men still surf, limited by a shortage of boards and repair materials, according to Tahseen Abu Assi, a surfer from Gaza City. No surfboards have entered Gaza since 2007, as they are among sports equipment restricted by Israel. Abu Assi carried his board through multiple displacements during the two-year war, explaining, "If something happened to it I won't be able to get another one."

On Tuesday, Abu Assi joined two other surfers, including Khalil Abu Jiab, at the Gaza City port. Abu Jiab rode high waves with his arms raised in celebration. Gaza's waves seldom reach suitable heights, so surfers prioritize them above all else. "As soon as the sea gets high, you leave your work and leave your whole life," Abu Assi said. "Work can be caught up on, as they say. We go practice this sport."

Sea access remains highly dangerous. After the war began, the Israeli military imposed strict restrictions, declaring Gaza's waters a no-go zone...