PEN International Expresses Deep Concern Over Reported Arrest of Palestinian Poet by Israeli Forces
Palestinian writer detained by Israeli military; PEN International expresses grave concern over the arrest of a prominent poet contributing to renowned publications, including The New Yorker, for his reflections on life in Gaza during the war
The Israeli military has detained a Palestinian writer and poet who has been writing about his experiences during the war in Gaza for The New Yorker and other publications, according to his brother. Mosab Abu Toha was arrested by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while trying to leave Gaza and cross the checkpoint from the north to the south, as stated by his brother, Hamza Abu Toha, in a Facebook post on Monday.
Hamza Abu Toha, in a Facebook post, mentioned that his brother Mosab was arrested by the army while his wife and children were heading south. No information about his whereabouts is known. The American embassy facilitated their travel through the Rafah crossing. The details surrounding Abu Toha's arrest remain undisclosed. CNN has contacted the IDF for their response, while a spokesperson from the US State Department stated that they do not have any information to provide regarding the situation.
Mosab Abu Toha, a 30-year-old poet, is an acclaimed author who won the American Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award with his debut poetry collection, "Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear." In a powerful essay published in The New Yorker on October 20, he shared his experience of leaving his home in Beit Lahia, located in northern Gaza, and taking refuge in the Jabalia refugee camp amidst the devastating Israeli airstrikes during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. After a few days, he returned to his home, depicting the emotional journey and the impact of the war on his community.
The first of numerous distressing scenes greets me on the main street that leads to my house. A shop, once a familiar place where I would take my children to purchase refreshing juice and treats, now lies in ruins. The freezer once stocked with ice cream is now a jumble of debris. The air carries the acrid odor of explosives, perhaps mingled with the sickening scent of decomposing flesh.
In a Facebook post, dated five days ago which happens to be his latest update on the platform, Abu Toha announced his survival and passionately pleaded for an end to the senseless violence.
Abu Toha's heartfelt plea for help highlights the dire circumstances he and his community are facing. The lack of access to food and clean water, combined with the impending winter season and insufficient clothing, has resulted in immense suffering for both adults and children. The unsettling presence of the army at Al-Shifa Hospital, leading to more death and destruction, further emphasizes the urgency of the situation. In light of these distressing developments, PEN International, the global association of writers, has expressed deep concern for Abu Toha and his well-being.
"We stand together in demanding information regarding his current location and the grounds for his incarceration," stated PEN on X, the social networking platform formerly referred to as Twitter.
The New York Review of Books also shared news of his alleged confinement on X, highlighting that "back in May, we featured his poem titled 'What a Gazan Should Do During an Israeli Air Strike'."
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
