In using my voice as an artist, I aim to illuminate the harsh realities of our world. ‘Fading Smiles’ is my latest creation, a heartrending portrayal of the human cost in the ongoing Palestine crisis.

This piece vividly brings to light the tragedy of familial loss and the trauma inflicted on children amid relentless conflict – a grim reality for so many Palestinian children.

The artwork presents three children huddled together amidst the ruins of war, their faces smeared with dirt and their clothes tattered. Despite their grim surroundings, they are smiling – a haunting reminder of their innocence amidst chaos. A closer look reveals wings on the two children flanking the middle child, symbolizing his heartbreaking farewell to his siblings, lost to a recent explosion.

The scene is set against a backdrop of fire signifying the ongoing conflict, with the silhouette of the Al-Aqsa Mosque ever-present, a reminder of their homeland. A subtle trace of blood in the foreground silently tells tales of the violence these children have witnessed.

‘Fading Smiles: Childhood Lost Amidst Ruins of War’ is a heart-wrenching testament to the trauma experienced by Palestinian children, who are forced to grapple with the loss of family and the destruction of their homes. This is a call to the world to witness, empathize, and take action – reminding us all that these are not just numbers but children with dreams and families.