These heart-wrenching but hopeful scenes show kids in the West Bank picking up hurleys and Gaelic footballs as part of the powerful “GAA Palestine” project — an Irish sports initiative set up to bring relief and resilience through play.

Amid the chaos of conflict, the ancient Irish game of hurling is becoming a symbol of healing, with children laughing, running, and swinging hurleys across makeshift pitches.

The brain behind this uplifting mission is Stephen Redmond, who founded GAA Palestine after visiting the West Bank in January 2024. Moved by the horrors unfolding in Gaza, Redmond turned his love of Gaelic games into a lifeline for youngsters under siege.

"I wanted to help in any way that I could and show the people of Palestine that they had Irish support," Redmond said. "We are not a political organisation; we are a sporting organisation, and I believe that what we are doing there now is helping people with their healing and trauma through engaging in the sports."

Redmond believes that sport isn't just a pastime — it's therapy for children coping with unimaginable trauma.

"The children in the camps are so innocent, even though they have seen so much," he reflected. "Even the teenage lads use their hands to make heart signs. It’s so humbling and wonderful to be able to help.

"One of our players lost 63 members of his family," Redmond shared. "What they are going through is unimaginable."

GAA Palestine is building more than skills — it's building confidence, solidarity, and a global team spirit. The plan? To make GAA clubs fully Palestinian-led across the West Bank, turning what started as an act of solidarity into a long-term source of strength.

By channeling trauma into teamwork, these children are reclaiming control and discovering joy in places where it once seemed impossible.