Thu Dec 25 15:05:10 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Headline: Palestinian Filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, Champion of Cultural Resistance, Dies at 72

Nahariya, Israel – Celebrated Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, best known for his controversial documentary “Jenin, Jenin,” has died at the age of 72. He passed away on Wednesday at Galilee Medical Centre in Nahariya after battling heart and lung problems, according to hospital officials.

Bakri’s death marks the end of a five-decade career dedicated to amplifying Palestinian voices and challenging Israeli narratives. He leaves behind a significant legacy of artistic resistance and a body of work that explored the experiences of Palestinians living under occupation and within Israel.

Born in 1953 in the Galilee village of Bi’ina, Bakri was a Palestinian citizen of Israel. He gained international recognition for his acting roles, including his debut in Costa-Gavras’s “Hanna K” and his role in the Academy Award-nominated Israeli film “Beyond the Walls.” However, it was his work behind the camera that ignited controversy and cemented his role as a prominent voice for Palestinian rights.

His 2002 documentary, “Jenin, Jenin,” which documented testimonies from Palestinian residents after an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp, sparked years of legal battles and censorship in Israel. The film was eventually banned by Israeli authorities in 2021, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022. Despite facing fines and legal challenges, Bakri remained steadfast in his commitment to sharing his perspective.

Beyond “Jenin, Jenin,” Bakri directed several documentaries and appeared in over 40 films. His theatrical performance of “The Pessoptimist,” based on Emile Habibi’s novel about Palestinian identity, was performed more than 1,500 times worldwide, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Bakri is survived by his wife Leila and six children, including actors Saleh, Ziad and Adam, who have followed in his footsteps. His funeral was held in Bi’ina on Wednesday. He remains a towering and often controversial figure in Palestinian cinema, remembered for his dedication to telling Palestinian stories and his unwavering commitment to artistic expression in the face of adversity.

Read More