Pictures: Gaza's girl boxers defying expectations

Palestinian girls exercise on boxing moves during a training session at the first women boxing center in Gaza City.

Around 40 girls train in the centre with its full-size boxing ring, training equipment and posters of boxing heroes such as Mike Tyson on the walls, defying expectations in a region where boxing has traditionally been a sport for men.

A general view of the first women boxing center in Gaza City.

Palestinian girl boxers trade jabs and punches during a training inside the first women boxing center in Gaza City.

A girl warms up during training inside the first women boxing center.

Farah Abu Al-Qomsan, 15, trains with her coach, Osama Ayoub, inside the boxing center.

A girl warms up during training inside the women boxing center.

Girl practise boxing moves during a training at the women boxing center.

Palestinian girl boxers exercise with their coach, Osama Ayoub, as their reflection is seen through a mirror inside the first women boxing center.

Girls warm up during training inside the women boxing center.

Girls warm up during training inside the women boxing center.

Coach Osama Ayoub gives instructions to girls during warm up inside the first women boxing center.