Renowned Palestinian actor and filmmaker Muhammad Bakri has passed away at the age of 72 due to cardiac and respiratory issues. According to hospital authorities, Bakri died at the Galilee Medical Center in Nazareth on Wednesday. This marks the end of a five-decade long career that earned him a place among the most influential figures in Palestinian cinema. His death has left a void in the industry, which has been shaped by his work that challenged Israeli narratives and defied censorship with decades-long legal battles for artistic freedom.
Bakri’s most notable work was the 2002 documentary “Jenin, Jenin,” which showcased testimonies of Palestinians who suffered in a devastating Israeli military operation in a refugee camp, resulting in the deaths of 52 Palestinians. The documentary was a subject of controversy in Israel for years, but it cemented Bakri’s reputation as a creative artist and cast a long shadow over his life. In 2021, Israeli authorities banned the screening of the documentary, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022, labeling it “hateful.”
In a recent social media controversy, Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui sparked a heated debate by suggesting that a large team is unnecessary, citing the example of a small team being effective. Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Hrithik Roshan’s son Hareyhan, and actor Naveen Waqar, took to social media to share their thoughts on the matter.
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Finally, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced that Israel has officially recognized Somalia as an independent and sovereign state.
