The idea of therapy through art and theatre has previously been taboo in deeply religious parts of Palestine, although the benefits of such expression for children is now being recognised.

“It’s very hard to get a message out from Gaza – the real truth,” said Mr Cox.

“But there is no political element in the death of children.

“These children don’t get any support when they’re going through such trauma. These kids get into terrible despair.”

It is the kind of desperate situation that, if unchecked, turns young people to suicide, and even becoming suicide bombers, Mr Cox believes.

He added: “I hope this exhibition brings to people’s attention the suffering of these children and reaches out a hand to them.

“It is important that we tell the children of Gaza they are not alone.”

The cathedral said the exhibition is not a matter of “taking sides” in the Israel-Palestine debate.

A spokesperson said: “We believe we offer a safe environment where challenging artwork can be exhibited.

“The cathedral recognises the Gaza struggle is at the heart of an immensely and appallingly difficult area of politics with large numbers of civilians caught up under terrible conditions and will continue to pray for the peaceful reconciliation of all sides.”