GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On June 8, the Gaza Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s summer camps, dubbed “Jerusalem in our Eyes,” were launched in the Gaza Strip, targeting primary school students. These camps aim to provide psychological and educational support for children, and provide emotional release for students who were traumatized during the recent escalation in the enclave. 

According to ministry figures obtained by Al-Monitor, over 50,000 students enrolled in the camps held in 150 centers across Gaza.

During the recent escalation that lasted from May 10-21, Israel threatened to bomb Al-Buraq Elementary School, west of Gaza City — but ended up refraining from doing so. Today, children play in its courtyard with their sports coach, while others have their faces painted with the Palestinian flag by their art teacher, as these camps aim to strengthen national identity among students. The conflict took place after Hamas objected to Israel's actions in Jerusalem, including the planned eviction of residents of Sheikh Jarrah and the Israeli raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In one of the classrooms, the students' voices were echoing loudly that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine, accompanied by the civics teacher.