{
  "id": 14712101,
  "title": "Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/welsh-parliament-drops-poet-from-opening-ceremony-after-gaza",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T14:12:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/poet-wrote-about-gazan-children-dropped-welsh-parliament-ceremony-attended-king-charles"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Welsh parliament excludes poet from inauguration after Gaza mention in verse\n\nHanan Issa, Wales' national poet, was extended an invitation to perform at the opening of the Senedd, the Welsh parliament, but her poem was ultimately dismissed. The poem, named \"To Grow,\" contained references to Gaza and was deemed too political by the governing body, leading to its rejection. Issa, a Welsh-Iraqi poet, expressed disappointment and stated that she would not participate in the ceremony. The Senedd Commission justified the decision by stating that the poem did not align with the event's objectives. Despite the rejection, literature experts commended the poet for inspiring reflection and positive change.",
  "summary": "Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem Submitted by Imran Mulla on Thu, 10/15/2026 - 13:56 Hanan Issa, the Welsh national poet, was invited to give a recital attended by King Charles but her poem was rejected Hanan Issa is the national poet of Wales (Screengrab/X) Off The Welsh parliament rejected a poem written by the country's national poet for its…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hanan Issa, Wales national poet, invited to Senedd inauguration",
    "Poem \"To Grow\" with Gaza references dismissed as too political",
    "Issa declines participation, Senedd cites non-alignment with event goals"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "As airstrikes in Gaza continue, support for 'armed resistance' grows, Hamas popularity drops - poll",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/as-airstrikes-in-gaza-continue-support-for-armed-resistance-grows",
        "published": "2026-10-15T16:08:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}