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- Country of residence: Palestine
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Salim Deeb Al Zanoun, a prominent Palestinian politician and jurist, embarked on his career in public speaking, eventually serving as the Attorney General in both Palestine and Kuwait. He ascended through the ranks of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement "Fatah," becoming a central committee member, President of the Palestinian National Council, and Chairman of the Palestinian Constitution Committee from 2011. Moreover, he chaired the committee responsible for formulating the law for the Palestinian National Council elections, stemming from the 2011 Cairo Agreement.
Born in Gaza City on December 28, 1933, Al Zanoun demonstrated early aptitude for Arabic oratory and excelled in composing passionate poetry during his education at the Imam al-Shafi'i School in Gaza. His academic journey led him to Cairo University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in law in 1955, followed by postgraduate diplomas in law and political economy in 1957 and 1958, respectively.
Al Zanoun held various positions of responsibility, starting as Acting Public Prosecutor in Gaza and later moving to Kuwait, where he served as Public Prosecutor. He also contributed to the drafting of the Kuwaiti Penal Code. Throughout his political life, he played a pivotal role, serving as Secretary General of the Palestinian Students Association in Cairo, leading the popular resistance in Gaza during the tripartite aggression against Egypt, and eventually becoming Vice-President of the Palestinian National Council in 1969.
His contributions extended to the Fatah Movement, where he served as a member of the Central Committee and its representative in Kuwait and the Gulf, earning re-election in 2009. President Mahmoud Abbas recognized his enduring efforts by awarding him the First Class Star Medal in 2008.
In acknowledgment of his legacy, the College of Law at Al-Istiqlal University in Jericho was named the "Salim Al-Za'noun College of Law" in 2015, with Al-Za'noun being the only living figure among the martyred leaders honored in this manner.
Al-Za'noun submitted his resignation from the presidency of the Palestinian National Council on February 7, 2022, and Rawhi Fattouh was elected as his successor by the Central Council in its 31st session. His written works include five poetry collections, legal and political studies, and his memoir "Biography and Journey, Memoirs of Salim Al-Za'noun, 'Abu Al-Adib'" in 2013. Salim Al-Za'noun passed away in Amman on December 14, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the Palestinian cause and the pursuit of freedom and independence. President Mahmoud Abbas mourned him, highlighting his remarkable career, leadership, and commitment to defending the rights of the Palestinian people.
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