Jennifer Lawrence speaks out for Palestine at San Sebastian Film Festival

Jennifer Lawrence condemns Gaza violence describing it as, no less than a genocide and deeming it unacceptable.

Jennifer Lawrence has expressed her concern over the ongoing situation in Gaza, calling it “no less than a genocide” and emphasizing the unacceptability of the violence. The Oscar-winning actress made the comments during a press conference at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Friday, where she was promoting her new film Die My Love and receiving the prestigious Donostia Award.

When questioned about the situation in Palestine, Lawrence spoke passionately, saying, “I’m terrified and it’s mortifying. What’s happening is no less than a genocide and it’s unacceptable.” She also expressed her fears for the future, particularly for children. “I’m terrified for my children, for all of our children,” she added.

While discussing the ongoing conflict, Lawrence also took aim at the state of American politics. She lamented the current political climate, describing the disrespect and lack of integrity in the political system. “The kids who are voting right now at 18, it’s going to be totally normal to them that politics has no integrity. Politicians lie, there is no empathy,” she said. She warned that ignoring global issues could eventually affect the U.S., stating, “When you ignore what’s happening on one side of the world, it won’t be long until it’s on your side as well.”

Despite her strong statements, Lawrence made it clear that she did not believe it was the responsibility of artists to solve political issues. “I wish that there was something I could say, something that I could do to fix this extremely complex and disgraceful situation. It breaks my heart,” she explained. She also emphasized that actors and artists should not bear the blame for political issues, urging people to focus on those in power and to vote.

Earlier in the conference, Lawrence had highlighted the importance of film festivals in protecting freedom of speech, especially amid increasing attacks on freedom of expression in the U.S. She spoke of the power of art to connect people and promote empathy.

Die My Love premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Friday and has already garnered attention for Lawrence’s intense performance. The film, which also stars Robert Pattinson, was praised at Cannes, where it received a six-minute standing ovation.