War on Writers: A look at writers killed in Gaza - PEN International

13 May 2023: In the face of escalating violence and turmoil, the voices of Palestinian writers have been deliberately silenced. The massive loss of life, which became a primary characteristic of the war on Gaza, included a staggering number of Palestinian artists and writers. The latest report by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture reports the loss of 45 artists, writers, and cultural activists between October 2023 and February 2024.

Launched on 6 December 2024, this project documents the cases of 23 writers and poets who were killed between October 2023 and September 2024, marking it as the deadliest conflict for writers in recent history.

Published at

21 May 2025

This collection serves as an archive honouring those writers who have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023. PEN International, believes that these stories must to be told and remembered. Through this archive, we aim to celebrate their legacies while drawing attention to the ongoing struggles faced by writers in Gaza.

We will update this collection regularly to ensure that the names and works of these writers are never forgotten, as we continue to advocate for the right to free expression and the protection of all who use their voices to inspire change.

READ THE COLLECTION HERE 

For more information, please contact Mina Thabet, Head of the MENA Region, at PEN International, email: [email protected]

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