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Moving pictures of Israel-Gaza conflict drawn by Palestinian children go on show to mark one year since crisis

The pencil drawings, which will go on show in London, were created in art therapy classes for young Palestinians experiencing death and displacement

Daisy Wyatt
Friday 07 August 2015 21:16 BST
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Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16
Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16

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Drawings by Palestinian teenagers who witnessed the Israel-Gaza crisis are to go on show to mark one year since the conflict.

The teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, were asked to express their emotions using a pencil as part of art therapy classes offered to them with support from Christian Aid and other international development organisations.

The pictures show moving stories of the young artists’ experiences of displacement, death and destruction. Read about them below:

Soliman Shaheen, 15

My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15
My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15

"I drew this image because I was so attracted to this girl's eyes. Pain and sorrow reflected in her stare as she stood behind the apartheid wall! Her only dream is to live in peace!"

Hadeel Quidh, 16

A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16
A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16

"It is too painful to see children in the world without security and a safe place to live. I drew this image because it reflects our homeless childhood and to ask people around the world, 'Where is our right to live safely and in peace?'"

Madeeha Al Majayda, 15

The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15
The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15

"I drew this picture to honour the innocent people who defend their lands."

Hamza Shaheen, 17

All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17
All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17

"I am 17 years old. Just like the other Palestinian children, I have experienced three wars on the Gaza Strip. I have witnessed how this has torn the lives of many children apart. That was my reason for tearing this painting when I finished it."

Ayah Sha'ath, 16

My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16
My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16

"I drew this picture to show a child who lost her right to play with her doll."

Lama Shakshak, 15

And I am facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15
And I am facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15

"My paintings express the rights of Palestinian children to live in an environment that is safe, without conflict and violence. Palestinian children still stand despite the difficult destruction surrounding them."

The artworks will go on display as part of the exhibition Through Young Eyes at the P21 gallery in London from 7-22 August.

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