A group of 55 prominent artists and advocates in the entertainment industry have joined forces to send a powerful message to President Joe Biden. In an open letter, they are urging him to call for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The signatories represent a star-studded lineup, including the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Jon Stewart, Kristen Stewart, Susan Sarandon, Mahershala Ali, Riz Ahmed, Ramy Youssef, and Quinta Brunson.
The heart-wrenching plea in the letter reads: 'We urge your administration, and all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages.' The statement, distributed by the organization Artists 4 Ceasefire, emphasizes the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, quoted in the letter, provides a chilling insight into the devastating situation in Gaza. He states, 'Children and families in Gaza have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine, and safe access to hospitals, following days of air strikes and cuts to all supply routes. Gaza's sole power plant ran out of fuel, shutting down electricity, water, and wastewater treatment. Most residents can no longer get drinking water from service providers or household water through pipelines... The humanitarian situation has reached lethal lows, and yet all reports point to further attacks. Compassion — and international law — must prevail.'
This plea for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid is not the only one in recent times. Just earlier this week, Artists for Palestine UK issued a similar statement, signed by notable figures like Tilda Swinton, Charles Dance, Steve Coogan, Miriam Margolyes, Michael Winterbottom, Mike Leigh, and Asif Kapadia. This letter also accused the British government of complicity in 'aiding and abetting' what it called 'war crimes.'
The ongoing conflict dates back to October 7 when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, leading to tragic loss of life and hostages. In response, the Israeli government initiated what it termed a 'complete siege' on Gaza, resulting in a devastating toll on the Palestinian population.
President Biden's recent visit to Israel saw a reaffirmation of the United States' support for Israel. He promised to request an 'unprecedented support package' for Israel's defense from the United States Congress. Additionally, President Biden worked alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to reach an agreement to open the sealed border with Gaza, aiming to provide humanitarian aid to over two million people in need.
As the international community grapples with the gravity of the situation, these prominent voices from the entertainment industry are using their platform to advocate for peace, compassion, and a swift end to the suffering in the Holy Land.