The body of Palestinian professor Refaat Alareer was finally found and laid to rest in the Bin Marwan Cemetery in eastern Gaza City. His burial comes after a difficult search to locate his remains. Alareer, who taught English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza, was killed in Gaza City in December 2023.
Asem Alnabih, a spokesperson for the Gaza Municipality, announced the news. He explained the body had been buried in a temporary burial site, making the search challenging. The efforts to find and properly bury Alareer show the difficult conditions people in Gaza are facing.
Refaat Alareer was more than just a professor. He was also a writer and activist, focusing on the lives of Palestinians. Furthermore, he co-founded the “We Are Not Numbers” project. This project connected young writers in Gaza with mentors around the world, providing them a way to share their stories.
Because of his work, Alareer’s death has been met with strong disapproval. Academics, writers, and human rights supporters have all spoken out against the loss. His work to promote education and give a voice to Palestinian stories will be remembered. As his body rests, his legacy as a writer, teacher, and advocate will live on.