DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) - In the midst of Gaza Strip's severe humanitarian emergency, where a tenuous ceasefire holds, a small band of Palestinian surfers are capturing joy - and momentary relief - atop the territory's Mediterranean waves.

Only three or four men persist in surfing, limited by scarce boards and repair supplies, said Tahseen Abu Assi, a Gaza City surfer.

Abu Assi hauled his surfboard through each displacement in the two-year war, as he explained he could never replace it.

"If anything happens to it, I won't get another," he said, adding that no boards have reached the Palestinian territory since 2007. Israel prohibits surfboards with other sports gear and goods.

On Tuesday, Abu Assi surfed off Gaza City port with three others, including Khalil Abu Jiab, who raised arms in triumph on towering waves.

Israeli forces curbed Gaza sea access sharply after war erupted, UN reports detail attacks on fishermen ashore or afloat, even in paddle boats.

Last year, Israel labeled Gaza waters a "no-go zone," barring fishing, swimming, and entry, heightening surfing dangers.

Fishing and swimming stay banned and hazardous off northern, southern, and central Gaza waters near Gaza City, patrolled by Israel.

"Fear exists, naturally, but we won't quit this sport," Abu Assi said. "Mid-war, under bombs and planes, we still practiced."

Gaza waves rarely peak for surfing, so riders rush in when conditions align, he explained.

Fierce enclave battles waned after Oct. 10 ceasefire, but deadly Israeli strikes go on as Hamas and Israel trade truce violation claims.

War ignited Oct. 7, 2023, with Hamas assault on southern Israel killing 1,200 mostly civilians and seizing 251 hostages. Israel's campaign has slain 72,628 Palestinians, wounded 172,520 per Gaza Health Ministry.

Gazans grapple for food, water, medicine, shelter post-war ruin that gutted health systems and uprooted most residents.

For Gaza's handful of surfers, waves bring brief escape.

"Sea rises? Drop work, drop life," Abu Assi said. "Work waits; we surf."