Tilda Swinton Joins Artists in Call For Gaza Ceasefire: ‘Collective Punishment on an Unimaginable Scale’

Sipa via AP Images

British actors Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan and Miriam Margolyes are among a group of more than 2000 artists demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The group, calling itself, Artists For Palestine, published a petition on Tuesday in which it accused world governments of not just tolerating but “aiding and abetting” what they describe as Israel’s “war crimes” in Gaza.

This signatories, which also includes notable figures like directors Mike Leigh and Asif Kapadia and authors Marina Warner and Gillian Slovo, penned a letter expressing their concerns about the Israelis Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant’s portrayal of Palestinians as “human animals” and strongly condemn his decision to put 2.3 million residents of Gaza under siege.

The letter recalls the forced evacuation of Palestinians in 1948, drawing parallels to the current situation where they face “collective punishment on an unimaginable scale.”

These artists, alongside producers, writers, and other professionals, advocate for the global movement against the devastation of Gaza and the widespread displacement of the Palestinian people.

Citing Martin Griffiths, the UN’s undersecretary for humanitarian affairs, they emphasise the dire situation in Gaza and urge for “an immediate ceasefire” and an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into the region.

The activists call on artists globally to lend their voice and support to this cause by adding their names to the letter.