Lebanese Novelist Elias Khoury Dies at 76

Elias Khoury, the esteemed Lebanese novelist and advocate for the Palestinian cause, passed away at the age of 76 in Beirut after a prolonged illness. Celebrated for his literary contributions, Khoury's works, including 'The Gate of the Sun' and the trilogy 'Children of the Ghetto,' addressed themes of memory, war, and exile, and have been translated into numerous languages. Born in 1948, he was a prominent voice in Arab literature and a vocal critic of oppression in the Middle East, frequently writing in various Arab media outlets. His last article, penned from his hospital bed, highlighted the ongoing struggles of Palestinians amid the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. Khoury also contributed significantly to academia, having taught at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University. His legacy as a committed writer and intellectual will be remembered alongside his staunch support for freedom of speech and justice.