'They're just kids': The Irish-backed centre giving Gazan children a place to play

In the heart of Khan Younis, Gaza, less than a kilometre from where an Israeli airstrike hit a displacement camp earlier this month, a small but vital initiative is helping children find respite from the horrors of war. Ionad Hind Rajab, an Irish-Palestinian solidarity centre, offers displaced children a space to learn, play, and simply be children, something many have been denied for months. Founded by Irish artist Adam Doyle, known online as Spicebag, and supported by the Palestinian organization Dignity for Palestinians, the centre provides essential services including food, education, psychosocial support, and recreational activities to over 93 children. The centre is located in Al Mawasi, a densely populated area near Khan Younis, where thousands of families have been forced to live in overcrowded conditions due to the ongoing conflict. Each day, children attend classes in literacy and numeracy, followed by time spent on arts projects, games, and sports. They receive meals at the centre, reducing the burden on families already struggling to meet basic needs. Staff also offer psychosocial support to help children process the trauma of the war. The project originated from a fundraising campaign initiated by Doyle in October 2023. His “An Phalaistín” scarf, featuring a message from the late Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, became a symbol of solidarity across Ireland. It initially raised around €10,000 for the Palestine Red Crescent. As support grew through the sale of scarves and later a Palestine-inspired football jersey, Doyle envisioned creating a more permanent solution. Working with Dignity for Palestinians, the concept of Ionad Hind Rajab took shape. Named after five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces in January 2024 after being trapped in a vehicle during an attack that claimed the lives of several family members, the centre serves as both a tribute and a beacon of hope. Doyle obtained the blessing of Hind's surviving family before using her name. He described her as a symbol of innocence lost to the violence of the war. Given the volatile security situation in Gaza, the centre was designed with flexibility in mind. Rather than constructing a traditional building, it operates from UNICEF tents and other temporary structures that can be rapidly relocated if necessary. This approach ensures that the centre can adapt to changing circumstances, though it also means that the facility is vulnerable to aerial attacks. Earlier this month, an Israeli airstrike struck close to the site, narrowly missing the children attending the centre. Despite the proximity of the attack, none of the enrolled children were harmed. Doyle acknowledges the constant fear that one day the centre could suffer a similar fate. “I’m kind of waiting on the message,” he said, describing the emotional weight of knowing that the safety of the children is always precarious. The centre continues its work, providing a sense of normalcy and stability to children who have endured months of uncertainty and loss. With plans to increase enrollment to approximately 130 children, Ionad Hind Rajab remains a critical lifeline for displaced youth in Gaza. Its operations continue throughout the year, including summer camps and enrichment programs that extend beyond regular school terms. For now, the centre stands as a testament to the resilience of communities striving to rebuild their lives amidst ongoing conflict.