Dutch filmmakers, actors call for sanctions against Israel

By Abdullah Asiran

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AA) - Hundreds of actors and filmmakers in the Netherlands have called on the government to impose sanctions on Israel over its bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

In a statement released Monday on the Filmkrant website, they demanded the Dutch government to "stop the genocide."

While condemning the attack launched by the Palestinian group Hamas against Israel on Oct. 7, they also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Criticizing the "collective punishment of civilians by Israel," they said the killing of aid workers, journalists and medics as well as the destruction of infrastructure and the cutting off of water, food, electricity and medicine amount to a "violation of international humanitarian law."

"What will the government do, now that the international law of war is being violated and Israel is stepping up its military campaign?" it said, referring to recent remarks by Dutch politicians calling for "unconditional support to Israel."

Rejecting violence against all people regardless of their identity, they called on the government to put pressure on the European Commission to impose economic and political sanctions on Israel.

Israel launched a relentless bombardment campaign on the Palestinian territory following a cross-border attack by Hamas, putting the enclave’s residents under total siege and a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies.

Nearly 7,200 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.