News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchOn March 18, 2025, Quraiqi was killed alongside his wife and brothers in an Israeli airstrike on the Shuja'iya neighbourhood of Gaza City. This attack was part of a larger offensive that effectively ended the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that had been in place since January 202513.
Quraiqi was a self-taught artist known for his figurative oil paintings, which were widely exhibited in Gaza before the war. He had been preparing for his first solo exhibition, titled "Until the Chair Grows Wings," scheduled for late 2023 at Shababeek for Contemporary Art. However, this gallery, Gaza's last space for contemporary art, was destroyed by Israeli forces in April 202413.
Artistic Career and Humanitarian Work
In response to the ongoing conflict, Quraiqi shifted his focus to community work, particularly supporting Palestinian children through education and trauma relief. He volunteered with the UK-based charity Hope and Play, organizing various creative activities for displaced children, including a traveling cinema, swimming pools, and theatre shows234.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including losing his home and being displaced multiple times, Quraiqi remained dedicated to bringing joy and relief to thousands of children affected by the conflict3. His work exemplified the resilience and creativity of artists in the face of adversity, showcasing the power of art to provide solace and hope in times of crisis.
Legacy of Dorgham Quraiqi
Quraiqi's death is a significant loss for Gaza's art community and for the many children he helped through his work. His ability to create moments of joy and normalcy amidst the chaos of war and displacement was remarkable35. Quraiqi's life and work stand as a testament to the power of art to inspire, heal, and give hope even under the most challenging circumstances.
The loss of Dorgham Quraiqi highlights the ongoing threat to civilian lives and cultural heritage in the Gaza conflict. His death serves as a reminder of the human costs of prolonged conflict and the importance of protecting artists and cultural workers in war zones135.
Citations:https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/23/chkp-m23.htmlhttps://hopeandplay.org/our-work/https://artreview.com/palestinian-artist-dorgham-quraiqi-killed-in-israeli-airstrike/https://www.hope-foundation.nl/about/cultural-emergencyhttps://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/20/the-missiles-will-not-erase-his-mark-on-our-hearts-palestinian-artist-killed-in-israeli-strikeshttps://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/palestinian-artist-dorgham-quraiqi-killed-israeli-airstrike-1234736234/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-lost-another-talented-artist-dorgham-qareqa-killed-by-israelhttps://x.com/ArtReview_/status/1903090855461683591https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/palestinian-artist-durgham-qreiqeh-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-on-his-home-in-gaza/https://hope-foundation.nl/news/in-loving-memory-of-dorgham-quraiqihttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/24/israeli-strike-on-gaza-hospital-kills-hamas-leader-teen-officials-say
