Mohammad Bakri, Palestinian’s Renowned Actor and Director, Dies at 72 From Heart and Lung Problems

The world of cinema is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. Mohammad Bakri, the renowned Palestinian actor and director, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 72. His family confirmed the news, stating that he died at Nahariya Hospital in northern Israel. Bakri was much more than an actor; he was a cultural bridge-builder who performed in both Arabic and Hebrew. 

From his early breakthrough in the Oscar-nominated film Beyond the Walls to his fearless work behind the camera, Bakri dedicated his life to telling the complex stories of his people. His death marks the end of a five-decade career that transformed Palestinian identity into a global cinematic voice.

Mohammad Bakri’s Cause of Death: Heart and Lung Complications

RIP Mohammad Bakri (1953–2025)
Acclaimed Palestinian-Israeli actor and director Mohammad Bakri passed away today, at age 72 from heart disease complications.

Born in Bi'ina, Israel, he starred in films including Beyond the Walls, Wajib (2017), pic.twitter.com/993DoBMPnV

— Narendra Bandabe (@narendrabandabe) December 24, 2025

According to reports from his family and local media, Mohammad Bakri’s health had been declining due to a battle with heart and lung problems. He had been suffering from heart disease for some time before his final hospitalisation. In patients of his age, chronic heart issues often put a heavy strain on the respiratory system, leading to a dangerous cycle of "cardiopulmonary" stress. This happens because when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

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Mohammad Bakri’s Legacy

Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri was one of the most influential figures in Palestinian cinema, using film as a tool of memory, resistance, and truth-telling. Through his powerful performances and courageous directorial work, Bakri helped shape a national cinematic… https://t.co/LCsqpNQXZJ pic.twitter.com/AjuuZVQLE3

— Inés El-Hajj |Stories From Palestine 🇵🇸 (@InesElHajj) December 24, 2025

Bakri's physical heart may have weakened, but his spirit remained unbreakable throughout his career. He was best known internationally for his 2002 documentary, Jenin, Jenin, which focused on the hardships of Palestinians in the West Bank. The film was famously controversial and faced multiple bans in Israel, but Bakri stood by his work for decades. 

Despite the legal battles and "boycotts" his colleagues mentioned after his passing, he continued to act alongside his sons, Adam and Saleh Bakri. His final works, including the 2025 film All That's Left of You, showed that his creative fire never faded, even as his health did.

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Conclusion

Mohammad Bakri leaves behind a legacy of "Dignity and Defiance," as described by those who knew him. He proved that art could be a form of survival. While his journey ended due to the physical toll of heart and lung disease, the "nuclear reactor of emotions" he brought to the screen will continue to inspire. He taught us that even when the body slows down, the voice of a creator can remain loud enough to echo for generations.