2025-06-15

JERUSALEM / BEIRUT / DAMASCUS – The geopolitical and humanitarian situation in the Middle East has worsened since the terror attacks of 7 October 2023. International organisations have documented large-scale war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Palestine. Meanwhile, Israel has invaded Lebanon and Syria. This advanced geopolitical strategy too often loses sight of the fate of ordinary civilians.

After seeking out Syrian refugees in his debut Niemandsland, Middle East expert Willem Staes travels through Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria in Vuurland.

He charts the horrific consequences of war, telling the stories of ordinary Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians and Israelis from their perspective. As he travels through the region, he seeks to foster empathy and humanity.

A common thread runs through those testimonies: 7 October was not the beginning, but just another episode of violence in a decades-long history of impunity, occupation and repression. Without thorough knowledge of the past, it is impossible to understand the present or prevent further conflict in the future.

Willem Staes

Willem Staes (1990) works as a Middle East expert at 11.11.11.
Willem Staes
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€5,000 granted on 20/09/2024
ID
FPD/2024/2241
Grant
Pascal Decroos Fund
Tags

BOOK (in Dutch)

EVENTS

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TV

AUDIO

COUNTRIES

  • Israel
  • Palestine
  • Lebanon
  • Syria