Palestinian filmmaker calls Gaza "Miracle of Resistance"

Acclaimed Palestinian-Dutch filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, a two-time Oscar nominee, has described Gaza as a "miracle of resistance" in the face of overwhelming global powers.

Speaking about the suffering of people in Gaza, Abu-Assad said, “Palestinians are extraordinary because they continue to stand firm against powerful nations that act against them.”

Abu-Assad, known for films like ‘Paradise Now’ and ‘Omar’, highlighted the ongoing plight of Gazans, emphasizing their resilience despite relentless global pressure. “The people of Gaza are like a miracle,” he stated. “Global powers punish them by destroying their homes, infrastructure, and food supplies. They are, in my view, superhuman”.

He also criticized the growing suppression of Palestinian voices in the West, describing it as “an open war on anything connected to Palestine.”

Abu-Assad recently joined 65 Palestinian filmmakers and artists in signing a statement condemning Hollywood’s dehumanizing portrayal of Palestinians and Arabs, accusing it of fueling anti-Arab sentiments.

The statement came amid backlash against Palestinian journalist Bisan Odeh’s Emmy nomination for her documentary, ‘I am Bisan from Gaza and Still Alive’.

Despite calls from pro-Israeli groups to revoke her nomination, Odeh ultimately won the Emmy for Best Short News Report. “The powerful can no longer silence the truth coming from besieged Gaza,” Odeh said in an interview.

Abu-Assad has since emerged as a key spokesperson for Palestinian cinema, describing the ongoing conflict as “a heavy battle against fascism.” He added, “Fascism is self-destructive. The illusion that they can crush people’s will for equality will not prevail”.

Reflecting on the devastating toll of the war, Abu-Assad noted, “Many people I knew in Gaza have been killed. It is heartbreaking, especially knowing over two million people still live in hunger”.

The filmmaker emphasized the unifying effect of the conflict on Palestinian artists, stating, “This war has brought Palestinian filmmakers closer than ever. We are sharing our experiences and working harder to improve our craft”.

The ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, following Hamas’s October 7 military operation “Al-Aqsa Storm”, has resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 people, some 70% of whom are women and children.

The blockade has displaced two million residents and caused widespread hunger, with the UN warning of imminent famine in the besieged region.

Artists worldwide have stood in solidarity with people in Gaza, often facing censorship and boycotts.

Despite these challenges, they continue to support Palestinians through protests, media appearances, and international film festivals, keeping the struggle for justice.