Indian actress Kani Kusruti draws attention with watermelon clutch at Cannes

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indian actress Kani Kusruti on Thursday caught the attention at the Cannes Film Festival in France wearing a watermelon clutch, which symbolizes solidarity with Palestinians.

As the 77th Cannes Film Festival is in full swing in the southern French city of Cannes, the premiere of All We Imagine as Light drew notable attendees, including French producers Julien Graff, Thomas Hakim, Indian actor Hridhu Haroon, and actresses Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti.

Kusruti stood out with her watermelon slice-shaped handbag, which has come to symbolize the Palestinian flag.

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, some stars expressed support for Palestinians suffering under Israel’s brutal attacks on the Gaza Strip since last October.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.

At least 35,800 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 80,200 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the ICJ, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.