The painting that this Palestinian artist-warrior posted before his death

Last Updated on October 22, 2024 4:55 am

Mahasen al-Khatib used his unique talent to depict the horrors of the Israeli invasion and war in Gaza. Since the war began in October last year, he has been depicting the horrific scenes of Gaza through his paintings.

On Saturday (October 19), he posted his last painting on social media. In it, he depicted 19-year-old Shaban al-Dalu. Who lost his life in an Israeli bombardment of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza a few days ago.

Shortly after painting the painting of his tragic death, Mahasen himself was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The attack took place next to his home in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Mahasen and his family members were at their home at the time. In a Facebook post, he mentioned that there was no safe place in Gaza to escape.

He and his family had taken refuge in different places before, facing continuous Israeli attacks. But death did not leave them behind.

The barbaric Israeli forces have been continuously bombing northern Gaza for the past 15 days, in what local residents are describing as the most violent aggression since October 7, 2023.

Mahasen’s uncle, Hossam al-Khatib, told Middle East Eye that when the Israeli forces launched a fierce attack on the area, their house was full of displaced people.

Hossam said that Mahasen was killed instantly in the airstrike and eight others were injured, some of them seriously.

Ambulances and rescue workers also failed to reach the scene due to the heavy shelling.

Referring to the time and horror of the incident, Hossam said, “We have not yet been able to bury his body. It is still at Kamal Adwan Hospital.”

Mahasen Al-Khatib was a painter, storyboard artist, freelance character designer, and digital art instructor. He supported his family through his work. He used his talent to raise awareness of Palestinian rights and Israeli injustice.

Even during the war in Gaza, he launched a free online course in freelance digital art, so that those with internet access could create a source of income.

Mahasen’s friend and student Jumana Shaheen said, “Mahasen was one of the most professional, humble, and beloved artists in Gaza. He left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.”

Despite the constant Israeli bombardment of Gaza and poor internet access, Mahasen continued to share his work on social media, depicting the reality of Gaza.

Speaking about him, Shaheen said in a trembling voice, “He once told me that I want to share my knowledge and work with as many people as possible, because if I die, at least my knowledge and work will live on through others.”

Bilal Abunadi, another colleague of Mahasen, is still shocked by the news of his death. They worked together at a media and graphics design company.

Bilal said his energy and sense of responsibility were inspiring to everyone. He made everything joyful and inspired everyone to bring out the best in them.

News of Mahasen’s death spread quickly on social media on Saturday, where thousands of his followers, students and colleagues expressed their condolences.

Bilal added about him, “He was a very kind and generous person. He believed that artists in Gaza should get the best in life.”

(According to Ahmed Dromali from the occupied Gaza Strip, published in Middle East Eye.)