In Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, a 24-year-old Palestinian drummer, known simply as H, is transforming everyday items like buckets, bicycle parts, and a tea tray into musical instruments. His efforts have brought together children and families around his makeshift drum set, providing them a much-needed break from the harsh realities of life in a displacement camp during wartime. The joy of music contrasts sharply with the struggles of securing basic necessities such as water and food, which dominate the daily lives of camp residents.

H believes that playing music is a vital outlet for managing the psychological pressure inflicted by life in the camps. The routine for residents typically starts with longing for water, followed by long waits at community kitchens, and ends with the hope of providing food for their families. Music serves as a crucial escape, allowing the children to participate in something joyful and uplifting amidst their grim circumstances, as they clap, dance, and sing along to the rhythms created from improvised instruments.

Bushra al-Shafihi, a displaced Palestinian in the camp, emphasizes that performances like H's offer rare moments of play for children, which are becoming increasingly scarce in their environment. With no toys, balloons, or games to engage them, the improvised drumming brings a semblance of entertainment and normalcy to the camp, highlighting the importance of creativity and music in providing a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict and dislocation that defines their existence.