'We followed lives of three children surviving war in Gaza. Here's what we found'

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a young boy named Zakaria has taken on a remarkable role at al-Aqsa hospital. At just 11 years old, Zakaria has already witnessed unimaginable horrors, having seen thousands of bodies since the war began. He wears a blue and white hoodie and often smiles, despite the grim reality surrounding him. While most children his age are in classrooms learning, Zakaria has chosen to volunteer at one of the few hospitals still operational in Gaza. As ambulances arrive, bringing in victims of the war, Zakaria quickly navigates through the crowds to help paramedics bring the injured inside for treatment. He runs through the hospital corridors, carrying stretchers and assisting in any way he can. Tragically, many of his school friends have lost their lives in the conflict, and being at the hospital exposes him to shocking scenes. He recalls a particularly harrowing moment when he witnessed a boy burn to death in a fire after an Israeli strike. 'I must have seen at least 5,000 bodies. I saw them with my own eyes,' he tells the cameraman, revealing the heavy burden he carries at such a young age.

Another child featured in the documentary is Abdullah, a 13-year-old who attended a British school in Gaza before the war. He is determined to continue his education despite the challenges posed by the conflict. Abdullah wears a green polo shirt and can be seen doing his schoolwork on a table in a garden, writing with a pen and occasionally looking up at the camera. His ability to speak excellent English is a testament to his dedication to learning, and he strives to keep his studies going amidst the chaos. Alongside him is Renad, a 10-year-old girl who has found a creative outlet through cooking. With the help of her older sister, Renad runs a cooking show on TikTok, where they prepare various dishes despite the lack of proper ingredients due to the war. Their show has gained over a million followers, showcasing their resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

The documentary, titled 'Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone,' was co-directed by Jamie Roberts and Yousef Hammash from London. Due to restrictions on international journalists entering Gaza, they employed local cameramen to gather footage and conduct interviews. The film aims to shed light on the everyday lives of Gazan people, particularly children, as they navigate the challenges of war. The filmmakers focused on three children and a young woman with a newborn, highlighting their innocence amidst the conflict. The documentary captures the struggles of finding food, deciding where to sleep, and how to occupy themselves while trying to survive. It also showcases the tireless efforts of medical staff at al-Aqsa hospital, the only functioning hospital in central Gaza, as they work to save lives. Zakaria, who idolizes the paramedics, dreams of becoming one himself, but he knows he must first escape the war zone. The film concludes with a poignant message of hope, illustrating that even in the darkest of times, children can still find ways to smile and support one another.