Special mention to Palestinian cartoonist Mahasen Al-Khatib at the Lucca Comics & Games Festival

To download the > Press Release
To download the list of signatories > Link | To download video and photos

Following the tragic death of Palestinian cartoonist and artist Mahasen Al-Khatib on October 18, cartoonist Gianluca Costantini and alino from Falastin Hurra launched a petition for a “prize dedicated to Mahasen Al-Khatib.” The initiative received overwhelming support, with nearly 300 signatories, including notable figures like Joe Sacco, Paul Gravett, Zerocalcare, Aleksandar Zograf, Cartooning for Peace, Igort, Emiliano Ponzi, Francesca Mannocchi, Giuseppe Palumbo, Silvia Ziche, Leo Ortolani, and many others.

The request was sent to the Lucca Comics & Games festival on October 22, and a positive response arrived on Sunday, October 27.

Al-Khatib, an illustrator and artist, tragically lost her life during an Israeli military bombing in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip. At only 31 years old, Mahasen was a powerful and courageous voice, using comics as a means to portray the suffering of the Palestinian people and her social commitment. Through her art, she captured stories of resistance, hope, and survival, amplifying voices that too often go unheard.

Since October 7, 2023, more than 13,355 men, 11,355 children, and 6,297 women have been killed by the Israeli army. Among them was Mahasen Al-Khatib.

Shortly before her death, she posted a poignant message on social media that now resonates as a cry for hope and resilience: “We survive.” In her final video, she depicted burning children in Gaza with the caption, “Tell me how you feel when you see someone burning,” with the harrowing sounds of bombs and bullets in the background.

The comic community is often absorbed in its creative universe, sometimes distant from harsh realities. Yet, we live in a time of great suffering, and we can no longer afford to look away.

For this reason, we extend our gratitude to Lucca Comics & Games, one of the world’s most prestigious comics festivals, for honoring Mahasen Al-Khatib during the Lucca Comics Awards with a posthumous special mention. This award not only commemorates an extraordinary artist who paid the price of war with her life but also reiterates, through art and culture, the urgency of ending the violence. This tribute stands as a symbol of solidarity from the Italian and international comics communities toward a woman who dedicated her talent to the cause of justice and freedom, even in times of terrible oppression.

WHO WAS MAHSEN AL-KHATIB

Mahasen Al-Khatib was a 31-year-old cartoonist from Jabalia Tal Al-Zaatar, in northern Gaza. Her artistic journey is marked by a steadfast determination and creativity that thrived despite the challenging realities of life under occupation. Specializing in illustration and character design, Mahasen used her art to document her surroundings, conveying powerful messages of resilience and hope.

Her passion for art emerged early in life, but her path was filled with obstacles. Alongside working to support her family, Mahasen had to contend with the restrictions imposed by the Gaza blockade. Yet she never gave up on her dream of becoming an artist. For her, drawing was not only a source of income but also a means of expression and a way to connect with the world.

After graduating in 2010 and taking on various jobs to support her family, Mahasen realized that her true calling was art. In 2024, she made the bold decision to leave university in her final semester to fully dedicate herself to her passion for drawing and digital art. This step marked the beginning of her professional career as an artist, quickly earning her recognition across the Arab world.

Through her dedication and talent, Mahasen collaborated with numerous Arab clients and international institutions. As a freelancer, she successfully balanced many projects, teaching thousands of students digital art and helping them unlock their creativity and achieve financial independence. Her works, created under the constant threat of conflict, stand as a living testament to her resilience and extraordinary commitment.

Signatories: