A heartbreaking photograph from Gaza shows Palestinian children watching Disney's The Lion King among buildings destroyed by war.
Taken by Palestinian photographer Omar Ashtawy, the image captures children gathered outdoors at sunset for a screening of the 1994 animated film.
Rubble and damaged structures surround them, creating a striking contrast between a moment of childhood joy and the devastation around them.
The United Nations Palestine mission shared the photograph on X, where it drew widespread attention.
Palestinian children watch Lion King in Gaza.
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 6, 2026
???? Omar Ashtawy pic.twitter.com/YkIk0RYAwY
The screening was organised by the Masharawi Fund for Films and Filmmakers through its 'Little Wings' mobile cinema initiative.
The programme aims to give children in Gaza temporary recreational spaces despite the difficult conditions caused by the war.
The photograph comes as children across Gaza continue to face a severe humanitarian crisis, including displacement, hunger and the collapse of healthcare and education systems.
UNICEF said at least 300 children had been killed in Gaza during the 300 days following the October 2025 ceasefire announcement. The agency also warned that hundreds of more children had suffered injuries.
Also Read: 'No Palestinian State As Long As I Am PM': Netanyahu Rejects Trump's Gaza Plan
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