A Seattle Palestinian cultural festival scheduled for April 25 at the University of Washington is set to feature a keynote address by Raed Abduljalil, a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades who was released in a hostage exchange after serving twenty-three years of a life sentence. Abduljalil is expected to deliver his remarks remotely from Egypt.

Event organizers, including student groups such as Seattle University Students for Justice in Palestine and Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return, have promoted him as a 'freed Palestinian political prisoner and author.' According to reports, Abduljalil was convicted for involvement in attacks that resulted in deaths and injuries.

The festival, described as a celebration of Palestinian culture through performances and speeches, will direct proceeds to initiatives in Gaza. Partner organizations involved in the event have been linked to a network associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States government.