Actor Javier Bardem used his platform at the San Sebastian Film Festival over the weekend to denounce Israel for its conduct in Gaza.
Bardem, who was at the festival to receive its prestigious Donostia Award, made his remarks during his acceptance speech. Known for starring in films such as No Country for Old Men, Skyfall, and Eat Pray Love, Bardem accepted the award but said, “I welcome [the award] with great joy but I am not in the mood for celebrations. What has happened in Gaza is unacceptable, dehumanizing,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
He added, “The atrocious and reprehensible attacks by Hamas in October do not justify the massive global punishment that the Palestinian population is suffering. I believe that the impunity with which the Israeli government enjoys its actions in Gaza, and the West Bank has to change,” describing the Netanyahu government as “the most radical government” in Israel’s history and accusing it of committing war crimes in Gaza.
Bardem, who is married to actress Penelope Cruz, also called on Western governments, particularly the US and the UK, to reconsider their “unconditional support” for Netanyahu.
The festival took place amid a backdrop of Palestinian flags lining the red carpet and pro-Hamas demonstrations. Protestors at San Sebastian’s famous La Concha beach wrote pro-Gaza messages in the sand, The Hollywood Reporter noted.
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