A new mural in Belfast designed by artists in Palestine began to take shape on Friday as the International Wall on Divis Street is reimagined.
Usually featuring a number of political murals relating to struggles around the world, the entire long wall is now being dedicated for the new project.
Dr Bill Rolston, who has documented murals here since 1981, said the idea first came about last summer.
Rana Hammoudeh from Palestine had visited Belfast and having been impressed by the International Wall, proposed replicating the project in her home country with both Irish and Palestinian artists.
This became impossible following the October 7 attack when Hamas killed more than 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took more than 200 hostage. It prompted over 100 days of sustained military action against Hamas and Gaza from Israel and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
Over 24,000 lives have since been lost and an estimated 85% of Palestine’s 2.3 million population have been displaced.
Dr Rolston said it was then suggested that Palestinian artists send over images that can be replicated on the international wall.
Speaking to the Irish News, he said one of the images to be featured was designed by a well-known Palestinian artist, Heba Zagout, who was killed along with two of her four sons during an Israeli airstrike in October.
Her painting appears to show a house with fireworks overhead, but a closer look reveals it is actually depicting an airstrike.
The project in Belfast is being led by the well-known mural artist Danny Devenny, and a fundraiser to pay for the work has already raised over £1,000, with any surplus going towards medical aid for those affected in Palestine.
Commenting on the latest progress on social media, Ms Hammoudeh said: “Thank you for your support and solidarity with the Palestinian people especially during these horrific and dark times.
“Palestine and Ireland will always have an unbreakable and historical ties in fighting for humanity , justice and against oppression.”
