Young Palestinians practise Taekwondo - in pictures

Border crossings prevent the team from participating in international championships

Palestinian youth show their skills as they practice taekwondo on the Mediterranean shore, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip January 25, 2023. REUTERS/Bassam Massoud NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.

These 15 trainees meet to combine acrobatics, gymnastics and traditional taekwondo moves either on the shore or in a small, poorly-funded centre

Trainer Basil Abu Shammala (not pictured) said: ‘Our aim is to participate in championships outside Palestine’

Trainee Mohammad Assaqa said: 'We're always hopeful to participate in a championship and then there's a sudden closure of the border crossings which means we can't go'

An Israeli-led blockade has restricted the movement of people and goods in Gaza for years

Prolonged closure and isolation have contributed to the decline of Gaza’s economy, access to medical support and amenities

'We are the first group in Palestine that performs taekwondo demonstration,' said Abu Shammala about the team that mixes the martial art with acrobatics and gymnastics

Trainee Abdallah al-Farra said: 'My hope is to be an international champion in taekwondo ... to be one of the stars'

The team, Abu Shammala said, hopes to join the G1-G5 championships abroad to participate in international championships, but it lacks equipment and funding

Choreographed skills on show at sunset in Khan Younis

The team members practise some high kicks, but they are also aiming high

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