Fadi Aldeeb raises Palestine’s flag in Paris as a symbol of resistance

Fadi Aldeeb, a Palestinian athlete, raised the flag of Palestine during the Paris Paralympics as a symbol of resistance following the tragic loss of his brother in an Israeli attack on Gaza. Aldeeb, who became paraplegic after being shot by an Israeli soldier in 2001, feels a profound responsibility to represent the voices of his people, stating that he competes not just for himself but for the 11 million Palestinians who seek freedom and human rights. His participation in the games is marked by a mix of pride and pressure, as he aims to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians amidst the conflict. Aldeeb expressed discomfort regarding the presence of Israeli athletes at the event, especially in light of the historical context of violence, yet he found solace in the support from fellow competitors, which he described as a powerful reminder of shared humanity. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 40,000 reported deaths in Gaza since the recent escalation of violence, further fueling Aldeeb's determination to raise awareness about the plight of his people. He plans to continue his wheelchair basketball career in France after the Paralympics, using his platform to advocate for Palestinian rights and to challenge the perception of the Israeli military's actions against civilians, including athletes and children.