Zakaria, an 11-year-old boy, makes his home at al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza, where he volunteers to assist paramedics amidst an ongoing war that has claimed thousands of lives. Despite being of school age, Zakaria has become a fixture at the only working hospital in central Gaza, where he has witnessed the aftermath of countless tragedies as ambulances deliver victims of the conflict. His vivid recollections include the painful memory of seeing a boy burn in an Israeli airstrike.
Zakaria is one of the children featured in the BBC documentary "Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone," which captures life in Gaza through the eyes of young survivors. Filmed over nine months amid increasing danger, the documentary was shot by local cameramen because international journalists are barred from entering the region. Co-directors Jamie Roberts and Yousef Hammash sought to bring international attention to the daily realities faced by Gazans since the onset of hostilities sixteen months ago, following Hamas's attacks on southern Israel.
Through the eyes of children like Abdullah, 13, and Renad, 10, the film portrays how young people in Gaza grapple with their existence amid incessant violence. Abdullah, having attended a British school before the war, strives to continue his education. Meanwhile, Renad creates a TikTok cooking show with over a million followers, showcasing her culinary skills despite limited resources.
The documentary also features 24-year-old Rana, who gave birth prematurely while being displaced multiple times. The film captures the heartbreaking realities of living near the hospital and the struggles for basic survival amid ongoing conflict.
Filming primarily occurred in a supposedly designated "humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza, although research indicates this area has faced significant military action. The documentary highlights medical personnel's relentless efforts to care for the injured, showcasing the impact of trauma on young lives like Zakaria. Through various challenges, including nights spent hungry and alone, Zakaria has become part of the hospital community, donning a miniature set of scrubs crafted for him by hospital staff.
The film aims to convey the plight of innocent lives affected by war, portraying Zakaria's dreams of becoming a paramedic one day, while acknowledging the challenges he faces in reconciling childhood aspirations with the harsh reality of his environment. The documentary promises to be an eye-opening portrayal of resilience and hope against a backdrop of despair, airing on BBC Two and iPlayer on February 17.
