Raed Issa, born in 1975 in the Al Bureij refugee camp in Gaza and currently residing in Gaza City with his family, is a contemporary artist renowned for his emotive portrayals of vulnerability, loss, and the harsh realities of life under siege. His work vividly captures scenes of tragedy, including depictions of young children, martyrs, and the wounded, reflecting the profound impact of conflict and precarity on daily life.

Issa is a key figure in Gaza’s contemporary art scene, founding the Fine Art Program at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and being a founding member of the Eltiqa Group for Contemporary Art in Gaza. His contributions have been recognized through various exhibitions in Palestine, Jordan, Switzerland, Australia, and Ireland. In 2002, he received the A.M. Qattan Foundation Young Artist of the Year Award.

Despite the significant challenges posed by ongoing conflict—most notably the destruction of his home and much of his artwork during Israel’s 2014 bombardment of Gaza, as well as damage to the Eltiqa gallery from subsequent conflicts—Issa remains dedicated to his art. His work continues to resonate deeply with audiences, offering poignant reflections on the human cost of conflict.