Javier Bardem denounces Israel’s ‘crimes against humanity’ in Gaza
Oscar-winning Spanish actor Javier Bardem has condemned the Israeli government, accusing it of committing “crimes against humanity” in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, Bardem said: “What is happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable; it is terrible and dehumanising.”
“I believe this Israeli government is the most radical that Israel has ever had,” he continued, adding that it “is committing crimes against humanity and violating international law.”
Spanish actor and Oscar winner, Javier Bardem, speaks out for Gaza at the San Sebastián Film Festival, calling out the Israeli occupation for committing war crimes. 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/su1USH69Vp
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) September 21, 2024
Bardem, who has long been vocal in his criticism of Israel, went on to say that the “terrible and condemnable” Hamas-led 7 October attacks on Israel “do not justify” the collective punishment of Palestinians.
The Dune and Skyfall star also called on the US, UK and Germany reconsider their “unconditional support” for Israel and emphasised that it was the “responsibility” of media to “denounce those situations we consider unacceptable and ask the international court... to condemn and judge those responsible, in this case [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu [and] Hamas.”
Following his speech, Bardem reportedly received a strong round of applause from the journalists at the press conference.
Javier Bardem and his wife Penelope Cruz signed an open letter denouncing Israeli bombing campaigns in Gaza back in 2014. They were hammered for it and accused of anti-semitism. Good people. https://t.co/e3nXrRZsI9
— Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) September 21, 2024
His comments have also sparked a wave of support on social media, with many commending him for “determination, conviction” and “bravery”.
“Given how often people are threatened with being blacklisted & how much harassment they face for simply being against the genocide of Palestinians… I think this is incredibly brave and heartwarming too,” one user remarked.
Note that Bardem doesn’t just robotically mention a ceasefire & something vague about a humanitarian crisis and children. Instead, he dedicates significant PR time to discussing the horrors of the genocide, condemning Israel & speaking on everyone’s moral responsibility to do so. https://t.co/vg6qU4dvtZ
— Sana Saeed (@SanaSaeed) September 22, 2024
Other supporters noted that Bardem “has been consistent throughout his career speaking out for Palestine”.
Bardem’s speech adds to a growing chorus of public figures in Hollywood calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed at least 41,391 Palestinians since 7 October, including over 16,700 children and 11,000 women, according to Palestinian officials.
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