Gaza Conservatory Reopens in Tents After War

The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music's Gaza branch has resumed operations in three tents set up on the al-Mawasi beach, following the destruction of its original facility and instruments amid the Israeli offensive from October 2023 to October 2025. Ahmed Abu Amsha, a teacher from Beit Hanoun, currently leads activities in central Gaza, where he teaches guitar and manages choirs. Established in 1993, the conservatory previously housed three pianos and extensive archives, all of which were lost. Teachers now navigate debris to reach students like 17-year-old oud player Mohammad Khader, who has begun teaching others due to the scarcity of instructors. Flute instructor Osama Jahjouh, having lost his instruments, crafts flutes from plastic tubing. Fifteen-year-old violin student Yara Abu Amsha views music as a sanctuary. Over 72,000 Palestinians perished during the conflict, with a ceasefire still unachieved, while Israeli restrictions hinder reconstruction and supply access.