Israel: Attack on Gaza camp targeted Hamas military chief Dief

GAZA: The Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has destroyed most sports facilities and equipment. But that does not stop boxing coach Osama Ayoub from training Palestinian girls in a tent camp that offers no protection from air strikes or artillery fire.
The boxing club where girls once learned to box, built their endurance and made friends was destroyed.
On the outdoor sand court between the tents where the displaced girls now train, there are no protective gear, rings or punching bags – a mattress and a pillow have to suffice. But Ayoub says the training has helped them overcome their fear of war.
“They took to the streets. They went out at night. Their personalities became much stronger and even their families saw that they were stronger,” he said.
It’s all about improvisation. A young girl strikes with her bare hands, dodging left and right to avoid imaginary fists. “Hit with your right,” yells the coach, who raises his fists for the girls to punch.
“They are determined, content and brave. At first they were afraid of the war we live in, but through boxing they have benefited a lot,” he said.
Gaza had playgrounds, football, tennis, karate and other sports before terrible bombs fell from the sky and razed entire neighborhoods to the ground.
Attempts to resume sports are risky, even if they take place outdoors. On Tuesday, an Israeli missile struck a soccer match at a tent camp, killing at least 29 people, Palestinian officials said.
But the boxers dream of competing internationally overseas, far from Gaza. This small, densely populated enclave suffered from poverty and high unemployment long before the war that Hamas unleashed on October 7.
“I hope this war ends and that our message on behalf of the girls of Gaza reaches everyone,” said one of the boxers, Bilsan Ayoub.
The chances of this happening soon are slim. Months of mediation attempts by the US, Egypt and Qatar have failed to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and its arch-enemy Hamas, let alone a permanent truce.
The boxers have no choice but to continue training while each side demands concessions from the other and the conflict rages on.
“We have nothing left, we have been displaced. We have no braces, gloves, mouth guards,” says Ayoub, who has to improvise daily to keep her dream of competing internationally alive.
“The means are very simple, but we want to continue in this game until we realize our dream and end the war,” she said.