Jailed Palestinian author Basim Khandaqji wins prestigious Arabic fiction award

In a stirring testament to the power of the written word, Palestinian author Basim Khandaqji, confined within Israeli prison walls since 2004, has clinched the 2024 International Prize for Arabic Fiction with his novel "A Mask, the Colour of the Sky."

Born in Nablus in 1983, Khandaqji's literary journey commenced with short stories before his life took a dramatic turn after Israeli authorities arrested him at the age of 21.

Despite the confines of incarceration, he advanced his education and literary career, acquiring a degree via internet courses and publishing prolifically—two poetry collections, over 250 articles, and several novels. His award-winning novel delves into the life of Nur, an archaeologist residing in a Ramallah refugee camp.

The narrative unfolds as Nur discovers a blue Israeli identity card in an old coat, prompting a profound exploration of identity and belonging within the tumultuous landscape of Israeli apartheid against Palestinians.