Art is generally considered merely a source of entertainment, but it is such a powerful medium that in many countries around the world, it is used as a tool for politics, such as “The Art of Resistance” which refers to creative forms of expression used to challenge, criticize, or resist oppression, injustice, and power structures. It can take various forms such as art, music, literature, film, theater, and even fashion, often emerging during times of political or social struggle. The aim is to inspire change, raise awareness, and offer a voice to marginalised or oppressed communities. Historically, movements like civil rights, anti-colonial struggles, and feminist or labour rights campaigns have employed art as a tool for resistance.
In the occupied territories of Palestine, art is not merely an aesthetic expression but a powerful tool of resistance. From the narrow alleyways of Gaza to the towering separation walls in the West Bank, street art emerges as a bold form of protest. Political murals and graffiti, splashed across the walls of Palestinian cities, not only reflect the people’s struggles but also embody their undying spirit of defiance. The street art of Palestine has become an essential instrument of resistance, where every stroke of paint is a cry for freedom.
Although Palestine’s streets are filled with politically charged murals, a select few stand out for their symbolic significance. One of the most iconic is the image of Leila Khaled, a Palestinian militant who has become a legendary figure in the Palestinian tradition of resistance. Khaled, known for her role in hijacking planes during the 1960s as a means of protesting Israeli occupation, is a symbol of hope and rebellion. Her image is often depicted with a calm yet defiant expression, wearing the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh and holding a gun. Graffiti works featuring Khaled serve as a response to Israeli efforts to label Palestinian figures as terrorists. Her image, with its blend of militancy and optimism, is a rejection of this narrative. For Palestinians, she is not just a militant; she is a heroine who embodies their collective resistance. The smiling face of Leila Khaled signifies hope for a free Palestine, while the gun and keffiyeh reaffirm her role in the armed struggle. This duality in her portrayal highlights the complex nature of Palestinian resistance — a combination of hope for liberation and the harsh realities of conflict.
Street art in Palestine goes beyond individual figures like Khaled; it also portrays acts of resistance deeply embedded in Palestinian culture. Murals often depict Palestinians using slingshots, burning tires, or flashing the victory sign — all powerful symbols of defiance. One such image, captured in graffiti, portrays a Palestinian boy with a slingshot in hand, facing down an overwhelming military force. This imagery is a testament to the David-versus-Goliath struggle that defines the Palestinian fight for freedom. The representation of such acts in street art underscores the necessity of resistance under occupation. These murals serve not only as visual reminders of past struggles but also as a call to action, urging Palestinians to continue their fight for liberation. They refresh the collective memory of the Palestinian struggle, serving as a bridge between past and present generations.
Another recurring motif in Palestinian street art is the depiction of barbed wire, a powerful symbol of Israeli-imposed restrictions on Palestinian movement. The separation barriers, fences, and checkpoints that dot the landscape of occupied Palestine are visual reminders of the physical and psychological limitations placed on the Palestinian people. In response, Palestinian street artists often depict hands grasping and tearing down barbed wire — an act of defiance against these barriers. One such graffiti work powerfully portrays the act of breaking through barbed wire. This image captures the essence of Palestinian resistance, illustrating the people’s determination to overcome the physical barriers that confine them. It also symbolises their broader struggle to reclaim their land and freedom. For Palestinians, tearing down the barbed wire represents not just an act of defiance against Israeli control but also a symbolic breaking of the chains of occupation.
Street art in Palestine functions as more than just political protest; it also plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and unity among Palestinians. The widespread use of graffiti as a form of resistance has a unifying effect, as it allows Palestinians to share their experiences and sentiments in a public space. This collective expression of resistance is particularly important in a context where physical barriers and political disunity often fragment Palestinian society. As French philosopher Jean Baudrillard notes, graffiti can serve as ‘totemic symbols’ of group belonging and sentiment. In Palestine, street art has become a symbol of emotional and motivational unity, offering a sense of togetherness in the face of physical and territorial disunity. Despite the division of Palestinian territories by checkpoints, walls, and fences, the art on these very walls creates a shared narrative of struggle, resilience, and hope.
The writer is our Editorial Assistant and a journalist.
