Javier Bardem Denounces Israel at San Sebastian: “What’s Happened in Gaza Is Unacceptable”

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Javier Bardem Denounces Israel at San Sebastian: “What’s Happened in Gaza Is Unacceptable”

As a gamer with a deep-rooted passion for cinema and social justice, I find myself profoundly moved by the powerful stance taken by Javier Bardem at this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival. His courage to voice his concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza is truly inspiring.

Palestinian flags line the red carpet at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where protests have erupted as the city revels in Spain’s most esteemed film event. The demonstrations stem from the loss of life in Gaza, with over 40,000 men, women, and children having perished since the conflict with Israel commenced, as reported by the Hamas-administered health ministry. Joining the pro-Gaza advocates during this film event on the Spanish coast is renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who was in San Sebastian to receive the Donostia Award.

During the news conference, he seized the moment to advocate for a truce in Gaza and criticize the actions of the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, who have persisted with airstrikes in Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of more than 1,200 Israelis.

Jubilant about receiving the award, but not feeling festive, Javier Bardem expressed his thoughts as follows: ‘What’s happening in Gaza is appalling and inhumane.’ This sentiment was conveyed through a translation from Spanish media.

Javier Bardem expressed his opinion that the current Israeli government is one of the most extreme governments Israel has ever had, allegedly having committed war crimes in Gaza. He further stated that while Hamas’s brutal and shameful attacks in October cannot be excused, the heavy suffering endured by the Palestinian population as a result should not be tolerated. Bardem also emphasized that it is essential for the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank to face consequences, and he urged the United States and the United Kingdom, specifically, to rethink their unwavering backing of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Over the weekend, activists penned supportive messages about Gaza on San Sebastian’s renowned beach, La Concha, where passersby along the promenade could easily read them.

On Friday evening, Javier Bardem graciously received the Donostia Award, expressing heartfelt admiration for his wife Penélope Cruz. The renowned actor, who has appeared in upcoming film “Dune: Part Two”, as well as “No Country for Old Men” (which earned him an Academy Award), “Skyfall”, and numerous acclaimed Spanish productions such as “Huevos de Oro” and “El detective y la muerte”, was presented with the award by his siblings, Monica and Carlos Bardem.

The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival runs through Sept. 28.

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2024-09-23 14:54