Artists4Ceasefire launches initiative to halt illegal arms sales to Israel amid Gaza genocide

The Artists4Ceasefire collective has launched a new initiative calling for a halt to illegal arms sales to Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The group, which includes prominent figures like Mark Ruffalo and Mahershala Ali, is urging the US government to enforce existing laws that prohibit the use of military assistance to commit "grave human rights violations."
 

The initiative comes as part of the collective's ongoing advocacy for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The group has launched a call to action bearing the message "Ceasefire Now, Stop Weapons, Save Lives," which urges the halt to what it says are "weapons transfers that violate U.S. and international law."

The call to action is accompanied by a new artwork featuring a peace dove holding barbed wire in its beak, created by artist Shepard Fairey. The image is meant to carry the message of the collective humanity that must be found to rise above hostility and put an end to the destruction and devastation.

The US government has been criticized for its role in the conflict, with some arguing that its provision of weapons to Israel has contributed to the violence. The UK has recently announced that it is halting 30 arms exports licenses to Israel, a move that Mark Ruffalo has described as "not enough, but it's a start."

The Artists4Ceasefire collective is not alone in its efforts. A coalition of humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam America, ActionAid USA, and War Child Alliance/Children in Conflict, have also joined the call to action. These organizations have spoken out about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has seen nearly all of the region's 2.2 million people displaced from their homes and 96% of the population facing acute food insecurity.

The initiative has brought a strong response from a coalition of entertainment industry leaders who joined together as the Brigade following the Oct. 7 attacks to address the shocking rise of global antisemitism.