Actors group condemns Israeli without mentioning Hamas
A letter signed by more than 2,000 actors, artists and musicians — including Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan and “Outlander” star Sam Heughan — has been slammed as “drivel” for condemning Israel without any mention of the slaughter by Hamas terrorists that started the war.
The open letter from Artists for Palestine UK claimed Israeli airstrikes and the government’s decision to cut off food, water and fuel to the region amounted to “war crimes.”
“Our governments are not only tolerating war crimes but aiding and abetting them,” said the letter, also signed by “Game of Thrones” star Charles Dance and actress Miriam Margolyes, who was Professor Sprout in “Harry Potter.”
“There will come a time when they are held to account for their complicity,” the letter continued.
“But for now, while condemning every act of violence against civilians and every infringement of international law whoever perpetrates them, our obligation is to do all we can to bring an end to the unprecedented cruelty being inflicted on Gaza.
“We support the global movement against the destruction of Gaza and the mass displacement of the Palestinian people,” it continues.
How celebrities, schools, and businesses have reacted to Hamas’ terror attack against Israel
“We demand that our governments end their military and political support for Israel’s actions.
“We call for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of Gaza’s crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter unhindered.”
The letter makes no mention of how Hamas terrorists murdered at least 1,400 people and took some 200 others hostage — nor Israel’s claims that children were burned and beheaded.
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The terrorists had reportedly been ordered to target elementary schools and youth centers in Israel to “kill as many people as possible” during their bloody sneak attack on October 7.
Several UK officials have condemned the letter — with David Mencer, the former director of Labour Friends of Israel, calling it “drivel.”
“I invite this group of misfits and weirdos to rescue their ailing careers and try their chances as artists in Gaza under the Hamas regime,” he told the Telegraph.
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“I promise to sign a letter when they are locked up and beg for their release.”
Minister Giles Watling, who sits on the culture, media and sport committee, acknowledged that it is “a very complicated situation politically and historically.”
But “in this case, it is very important to present both sides of the issue,” he told the UK paper.
“We must absolutely condemn the attacks of Hamas on Israel, yes, but of course, I have great sympathy for the Palestinian people and the suffering they have endured,” he noted.
“But you can’t just present one side and not the other.”
The Post has reached out to agents for Swinton, Heughan, Coogan, Dance and Margolyes for comment.
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