How watermelon has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity

Watermelons are being used as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war. The fruit is painted on cardboard at protests and appears on social media next to the Palestinian flag. It represents identity and resistance for Palestinians. The watermelon emoji is part of the symbols used in social media debates about the war. It has roots in Israel's suppression of the Palestinian flag and its use dates back to the 1967-1993 ban. Watermelon imagery has attracted both support and scrutiny during the conflict.