Over 2,400 Israeli Artists, Architects Demand End to Gaza War

Over 2,400 Israeli artists, architects, and cultural figures have signed petitions demanding an immediate end to the war and humanitarian disaster in Gaza, condemning the killing of civilians, starvation, and displacement. The petitions call on Israeli decision-makers and soldiers to cease actions they describe as war crimes and to uphold ethical and humanitarian principles. Signatories include prominent musicians, writers, and performers such as Chava Alberstein, David Grossman, Gidi Gov, and Avishai Cohen, expressing their refusal to be complicit in the ongoing atrocities. These calls have sparked backlash from some Israeli public figures and reservists who defend the military actions and criticize the petitioners for what they see as harmful and divisive rhetoric. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continues a military offensive against Gaza, despite international condemnation and calls for a ceasefire, with over 60,800 Palestinians reportedly killed since October 2023. The situation has also led to legal actions, including war crimes charges against Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court and genocide cases at the International Court of Justice.