JERUSALEM: Actor and filmmaker Mohammed Bakri, a champion of the Palestinian cause, died on Wednesday aged 72, a hospital spokesperson said.
He was known for his documentary “Jenin, Jenin” and his commitment to the Palestinians, which led to frequent confrontations with Israeli authorities.
“Mohammed Bakri died this Wednesday at the Galilee Medical Center” in the northern Israeli city of Nahariya, hospital spokesperson Gal Zaid told AFP.
He died from heart and lung problems, according to his family.
Born in Galilee in 1953 into a Muslim family, Bakri was an Israeli citizen.
He appeared in leading Israeli films but was also directed by the French-Greek director Costa-Gavras and Italian filmmakers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani.
His role as a Palestinian inmate in an Israeli prison in the 1980s film “Beyond the Walls” earned him critical acclaim in Israel and around the world.
But his international renown grew with the release of 2002’s “Jenin, Jenin,” which denounced alleged Israeli war crimes in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank during the Second Intifada.
The Israeli Supreme Court upheld a ban on the film in 2022, deeming it “defamatory.”
The father of six also directed several socially conscious documentaries about the situation of Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Arab-Israeli radio station A-Shams published a tribute on its social media, describing Bakri as a “free voice.”
“From his early days in theater, art was not simply a pastime for Mohammed Bakri, but a tool for raising awareness and engaging in dialogue,” the radio station said.
“The legacy left by Mohammed Bakri will remain, reminding us that art can be an act of resistance.”
Mohammed Bakri, filmmaker who championed Palestinian cause, dies aged 72
https://arab.news/rmrm6
Mohammed Bakri, filmmaker who championed Palestinian cause, dies aged 72
- Bakri was known for his documentary “Jenin, Jenin” which denounced alleged Israeli war crimes in the Jenin refugee camp
- The father of six also directed several socially conscious documentaries about the situation of Palestinian citizens of Israel
Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances
- Partner of Ronaldo shares photos of Christmas, holidays
- Speculation they will celebrate New Year’s Day in the UAE
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez has been marking the end of the year with family in the region, sharing moments from public appearances alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as quieter holiday time together.
One of those appearances included her attendance at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2025, where she showed her support for Ronaldo alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
The footballer was awarded Best Middle East Player 2025, marking his third consecutive win in the category.
For the ceremony, Rodriguez opted for a sleek, body-skimming black evening gown featuring a high neckline and long fitted sleeves, detailed with subtle, evenly spaced embellishments.
She wore her hair long and straight, pairing the look with soft, glowing makeup. The ensemble was completed with statement diamond jewelry, including stud earrings, a sparkling watch and her large oval-cut engagement ring.
Now in its 16th edition, the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony was held at Atlantis The Royal. Ronaldo received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
After accepting the trophy, Ronaldo said he was focused on continuing his career and adding to his achievements.
“I want to carry on going. You know what my goal is. I want to win more trophies and I want to reach the number that you all know,” he said. “I will reach that number for sure, if there are no injuries, inshaAllah.”
Currently on 956 career goals following a recent brace against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo is now 44 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ahead of the event in the UAE, fan spotted Rodriguez with Ronaldo in a casual moment walking at Atlantis. She wore jeans paired with a black top, leather jacket, beige hat and black heels.
The model also shared a short video offering a glimpse into how she celebrated Christmas, showing an intimate, family-focused gathering at home.
The family — including Ronaldo, Rodriguez, Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda — wore matching pajamas and were seen dancing together toward the Christmas tree in the clip.
Fans are still waiting to see where the family will celebrate New Year’s Eve, after spending the occasion in Dubai last year. This has led to speculation that they may remain in the city for the celebrations.
