Handala (), also Handhala, Hanzala or Hanthala, is a prominent national symbol and personification of the Palestinian people.
The character was created in 1969 by political cartoonist Naji al-Ali, and first took its current form in 1973. Handala became the signature of Naji al-Ali's cartoons and remains an iconic symbol of Palestinian identity and defiance. The character has been described as "portraying war, resistance, and the Palestinian identity with astounding clarity".
Early publication Handala appeared for the first time on Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah on 13 July 1969, and first turned his back to the viewer and clasped his hands behind his back from 1973 onwards.
Usage Current usages of the Handala motif include: The web mascot of the Iranian Green Movement In Israeli artwork, particularly alongside the Israeli character Srulik The ship used in the July 2025 Gaza Freedom Flotilla which challenged the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza was named after it.
Gallery
See also Culture of Palestine List of national symbols of Palestine
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