Swimming team in war-torn Gaza uses sea as a pool

Gaza City, Palestinian Territories: Just metres from tents for displaced people and trying to ensure they avoid Israeli naval patrols, men of all ages...

Gaza City, Palestinian Territories: Just metres from tents for displaced people and trying to ensure they avoid Israeli naval patrols, men of all ages take to the beach at Gaza City for swimming practice.

Two years of war and air strikes have destroyed most recreational facilities in the Palestinian territory, including swimming pools.

So the men led by team captain Abu Mahmud now have to train in the Mediterranean Sea.

"We practise swimming amid serious dangers -- foremost among them the Israeli patrol boats which chase swimmers and fishermen out at sea," Abu Mahmud told AFP.

Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025, Gaza remains a dangerous place with people killed by Israeli air strikes and gunfire every day.