Throughout history, people have tried to document their lives. They wanted to leave a legacy or share their stories. In the past, they used carvings, paintings, and writing. Later, paper and books helped record their ideas. Today, we live in the age of photography. It is a powerful tool that captures moments and keeps them for future generations.

Cameras have become smaller and easier to use over time. But photography is more than just technology or art. It is about the moments that are captured. These moments quickly become part of the past, but photos allow us to remember them.

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The Power of storytelling through photos

Photos tell stories. In Palestine, we use photos to share our story with the world. We have taken many pictures of our beautiful landscapes, busy streets, and traditional clothing. These photos help us preserve our history and show the world who we are.

Over time, as Israel occupied Palestine, the focus of our photos changed. We no longer only captured our culture and daily life. Instead, we started to document the loss of our land and the suffering of our people. The Palestinian story became a story of struggle and resistance.

For over seventy years, photographers have pointed their cameras at Palestine. Palestinian, Arab, and international photographers have taken millions of pictures. These photos tell important stories and are shared through newspapers, television, and social media. Some images have become unforgettable, closely tied to Palestine's history and identity.

Iconic photos of Palestine that captivated the world

Many photos from Palestine are known worldwide. These photos spread because they tell strong emotional and political stories. For example, seeing a child face a tank or a father try to protect his son leaves a lasting impact. These images show the harsh realities of life in Palestine and touch hearts around the world.

1. The Nakba (1948)

The Nakba, or "The Catastrophe," is one of the most important events in Palestinian history. Photos from this time show Palestinians leaving their homes in fear of Zionist militias. These images, shared each year on Nakba Day, show the pain of leaving home and the hope of returning one day.
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2. Yasser Arafat’s UN Speech (1974)

Yasser Arafat gave a historic speech at the United Nations, representing Palestine on the global stage for the first time. The photo of Arafat holding an olive branch and a revolutionary's gun became a symbol of the Palestinian fight for freedom and peace.
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3. The First Intifada (1987)

The First Intifada is remembered for powerful images, especially of young Palestinians facing Israeli soldiers with nothing but stones. One famous photo shows an Israeli soldier attacking a journalist. This photo spread around the world, showing how the Israeli army tried to hide the truth.
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4. Faris Odeh – The Second Intifada Icon (2000)

Faris Odeh, a young boy, became a symbol of the Second Intifada. A photo captured him throwing a stone at an Israeli tank. Ten days later, he was shot and killed. His image became a symbol of Palestinian resistance and courage.
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5. The Death of Muhammad al-Durrah (2000)

One of the most heartbreaking images from the conflict is the photo of 12-year-old Muhammad al-Durrah. He was shot while hiding behind his father during a gunfight. This tragic image shocked the world and drew attention to the innocent lives lost in Palestine.
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6. The Gaza War (2014)

In 2014, Gaza was heavily bombed for 51 days. Homes, schools, and lives were destroyed. Images of the destruction and suffering spread around the world. These photos helped raise global awareness of the violence in Gaza.
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7. Ahed Tamimi – Defiance Against Occupation

Ahed Tamimi, a young girl from Nabi Saleh, became famous for standing up to Israeli soldiers during a protest. Photos of her defiance spread worldwide. She became a symbol of Palestinian courage and resistance.
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8. The Great March of Return (2018)

In 2018, thousands of Palestinians marched to the border to demand their right to return to their ancestral lands. One iconic image shows a young man throwing a stone with black smoke behind him. This image became a symbol of Palestinian determination and resistance.
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9. Sheikh Jarrah (2021)

The forced evictions of Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem caused global outrage. One famous image shows a Palestinian man standing beside a wall with the words "We will not leave" written on it. This image became a symbol of the Palestinian struggle to stay in their homes.
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10. The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh (2022)

Shireen Abu Akleh, a journalist, was killed while covering an Israeli raid. Her death shocked the world. The image of her body, still wearing her press vest, became a symbol of the dangers journalists face in Palestine.
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Beyond conflict: celebrating the beauty of Palestine

While images of war and struggle are common, Palestine is more than a conflict zone. It is a land full of life, culture, and history. It has beautiful architecture, rich traditions, and daily stories of courage.

Even though the world often sees Palestine through images of war, it is important to show the other side too. When will we start seeing Palestine as a vibrant land and not just a place of conflict?

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*All photos in this article were provided by the author.

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