Mosab Abu Toha: prominent poet from Gaza ‘released’

Palestinian poet and essayist Mosab Abu Toha, known for founding Gaza’s only English language library, has reportedly been released after an outcry from the literary world over claims that he had been taken by the Israeli Defense Forces on Monday (November 20th). This incident garnered international attention, with PEN America expressing grave concerns about his well-being.

Mosab Abu Toha, who recently toured the United States, where he engaged in various literary and academic activities, is a significant cultural figure in Gaza. He also founded the Edward Said Public Library and has been a visiting poet and scholar at Harvard University. In addition, his literary contributions have been recognised widely, with his works appearing in prominent publications such as Poetry, The Nation, Arrowsmith Press, and The New Yorker.

San Francisco’s City Lights posted on Instagram that he had been freed and was with his family in Gaza, citing a tweet from Palestinian-Canadian lawyer Diana Buttu. New Yorker editor David Remnick had also reportedly informed the magazine’s staff that “Israeli military officials” had confirmed his release.

Read: Hiba Kamal Abu Nada: Palestinian poet killed in Gaza

Abu Toha’s recent essay, “The Agony of Waiting for a Ceasefire That Never Comes,” published in The New Yorker, and another piece in The Atlantic, reflect his profound and personal connection to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These works, coupled with his social media posts, provide a poignant glimpse into the harsh realities faced by Gazans, especially during the recent waves of bombing.

His book, “Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza,” was released by City Lights Books, becoming a significant contribution to contemporary poetry and a testament to his lived experiences in Gaza.

Read: Writers Against War on Gaza: thousands support letter

PEN America had issued a statement earlier this week, calling for details about Abu Toha’s whereabouts and ensuring his protection, underscoring the severity of the situation. The organisation, known for its advocacy for freedom of expression, highlights the critical need to safeguard artists and intellectuals in conflict zones.

Consequently, this incident also raised broader questions about the freedom and safety of artists in volatile regions and the role of international communities in protecting these cultural voices. Abu Toha’s case is not just a matter of individual safety but also about the preservation of cultural and intellectual freedom in areas plagued by political strife.