Israel's bombardment of Gaza reached a tragic milestone this week as an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City took the lives of the renowned Palestinian academic and activist, Refaat Alareer, along with his brother, sister, and four nieces. The assault, which has been ongoing for three months, has led to the deaths of over 17,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza.

Refaat Alareer, who served as a professor of English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza for over 16 years, was not only an educator but also a mentor to numerous young Palestinian writers and journalists. He was known for teaching subjects like Shakespeare and was passionate about highlighting the realities of life under Israeli occupation in Gaza. Alareer co-founded the organization We Are Not Numbers and authored numerous stories and poems that shed light on the Palestinian experience.

In a chilling interview with Democracy Now! on October 10th, just days before his untimely death, Alareer described the dire situation in Gaza. He labeled the Israeli attacks as a "complete and utter extermination of the non-Jewish population in occupied Palestine" and highlighted the suffocating siege imposed by Israel. Alareer expressed concern over the lack of international support, particularly from American and European nations, and the silence of mainstream media in the face of Israeli officials' calls for collateral damage to Palestinians.

Alareer pointed out that Palestinians in Gaza refuse to live under occupation and long for freedom. He emphasized the importance of global pressure and collective action to end the dark chapter unfolding in the Middle East, comparing it to other instances of genocide in history.

The tragic loss of Refaat Alareer and his family members has garnered immense grief and outrage among his friends, colleagues, and supporters. His message about the responsibility of the international community, specifically the United States and its politicians, resonates deeply as he accused the Biden administration of enabling the massacre of Palestinians by providing weapons and support to Israel.

Refaat Alareer's powerful voice and dedication to justice will be greatly missed by those who knew him. His writings and activism will continue to inspire many to take action against the oppression faced by Palestinians. As the conflict in Gaza persists, his words serve as a reminder of the urgent need to halt the violence and work towards a just and lasting peace in the region.