Gaza City's once-thriving music conservatory, a cherished cultural institution since 1993, now operates in makeshift tents on a windswept stretch of sand overlooking the Mediterranean. Despite the devastating humanitarian crisis that has ravaged the territory, the conservatory is determined to provide solace through music – a beacon of hope for a traumatised population.
The Israeli offensive between October 2023 and October 2025, triggered by a Hamas raid into Israel, left a trail of destruction in its wake. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 72,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, with a further thousand fatalities since a ceasefire nine months ago. The conservatory's own facilities were razed to the ground during this time – offices, classrooms, practice rooms, auditorium, and archives all destroyed.
Ahmed Abu Amsha, a musician and teacher at the conservatory, is leading efforts to rebuild its programmes with a small group of former employees. Operating from central Gaza, he teaches guitar and supervises choirs, observing a profound shift in the role of music. "Once, back before the war, music for many people was a means of entertainment and personal development... Now music has become an important tool for psychological relief," Amsha stated.
The challenges facing the conservatory are immense. Almost all teachers and students were displaced multiple times, with some sustaining injuries or being killed. Reconstruction across Gaza remains almost non-existent due to persistent Israeli restrictions on the entry of goods, and negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire are stalled. This has exacerbated acute shortages of clean water, fuel, medical supplies, and food, with many residents still facing hunger.
Despite these obstacles, demand for music lessons is high. Teachers undertake arduous journeys across rubble-strewn roads to reach students like 17-year-old Mohammad Khader, who continues his oud lessons after being displaced from his northern home. Khader, who now lives in a tent near Deir-al-Balah, finds solace in music, explaining, "Whenever I feel stressed or upset, I turn to music because it calms my nerves and gives me a sense of peace." The scarcity of teachers means that experienced students like Khader are now instructing newcomers, reflecting the community's determination to keep music alive.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises against all travel to Gaza due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation. Britain has pledged £1 billion in aid to the region since 2023, with a focus on education, healthcare, and economic development. The UK government is also working to promote a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, which would bring an end to the cycle of violence that has ravaged Gaza for decades.
The conservatory's temporary relocation in tents may be a small ray of hope amidst the devastation – but it serves as a poignant reminder of what could be achieved with more stability and resources. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of this conflict, the people of Gaza cling to music as a lifeline, providing solace and a sense of normalcy in the face of unimaginable trauma.