Acclaimed novelist and advocate for the Palestinian cause, Elias Khoury, has passed away at the age of 76. Khoury, a prominent figure in Arab literature, dedicated much of his work to themes of war, exile, and collective memory. He was known for his support of the Palestinians, with many of his books translated into various languages. One of his well-known novels, Gate of the Sun, depicted the plight of Palestinian refugees expelled from their homes in 1948.
Born in Beirut, Khoury studied in Lebanon and Paris, eventually earning a PhD in social history. Throughout his career, he taught at universities around the world and edited publications related to the Palestinian cause. Despite his declining health in recent years, Khoury continued to write and publish articles from his hospital bed. In his final piece, he reflected on the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza and praised the resilience of the Palestinian people.
Khoury’s passing has been mourned by the literary community, with many remembering him as a champion of the Palestinian cause and a talented writer who inspired readers with his poignant storytelling. His work continues to be a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by the Palestinian people and the timeless importance of advocating for justice and peace in the region.
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