Sahar Khalifeh's seminal novel, The Cactus (Al-Sabbar), follows Usama, a young Palestinian who returns from the Gulf to his occupied hometown of Nablus. He confronts the harsh realities of life under occupation, grappling with personal alienation and the complexities of national struggle. The cactus plant serves as a powerful symbol of Palestinian steadfastness and deep-rooted connection to the land. Through Usama's journey, Khalifeh masterfully explores the internal conflicts and external pressures facing a generation caught between tradition and the urgent call for resistance, creating a profound and enduring work of modern Arabic literature.