GAZA, PALESTINE - DEC. 14, 2025: Despite the loss and destruction caused by Israeli attacks, a 28-year-old Palestinian man tries to bring joy to children by donning a clown costume.

Ahmed Mahmoud Abu Sukker, who lost his father, sister, nephews and home in an Israeli attack, says he copes with his grief by entertaining those around him.

He said that before the attacks, he had lived a happy life with his family and now struggles to bear the memories that surround him.

“I need to smile much more than the children do, yet I still try to make them laugh," he said, and added, "everywhere I perform, I remember my nephews.”

"Even though my heart is bleeding, I try to be happy. I make myself appear happy to the children and to the world,” he told, expressing how much pain he carries behind his smiling face.

As children laugh and applaud his performances amid the rubble of destroyed buildings, the clown’s efforts appear to be bringing moments of relief and joy.

A ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Oct. 10 under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, halting two years of Israeli attacks that have killed more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 others since October 2023.

The Israeli army has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, killing at least 386 Palestinians and injuring 1,018 others since the deal took effect on Oct. 10.


Reporting by Fadel A. A. Almaghari / Writing by Ayse Elif Erdis