Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent Palestinian figure known for his roles as a militia leader and theater founder, was recently released from Israeli prison, sparking celebrations in Ramallah. Zubeidi's life has been marked by armed resistance, cultural activism, and imprisonment, making him a symbol of both hope and despair among Palestinians. In his first major interview since his release, Zubeidi reflected on the futility of past strategies to achieve Palestinian statehood, expressing deep skepticism about both violent and peaceful approaches. He recounted his experiences, including his dramatic prison escape and the personal losses he suffered during recent conflicts, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians. Despite his disillusionment, Zubeidi has turned to academic study, hoping to find new insights into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Original article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/world/middleeast/zakaria-zubeidi-palestine-interview.html
Source Id: 2025-08-802828463