Celebrity friends of Gaza

Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, who are married, became the most high-profile celebrities to come out against Israel’s action as they wrote an open letter along with other Spanish entertainers, condemning Israel’s offensive as “genocide” and demanding a cease-fire and an end to the blockade, which it said has been intact for “more than a decade,” reported J Post.

Penelope Cruz, Selena Gomez

Roger Waters, former singer for Pink Floyd and long-time critic of Israel is back at it, calling for “artists all over the world” to join him and “oppose The Israeli Government’s brutal policies,” reported Free Beacon.

Mark Ruffalo, Zayn Malik

And then there were those celebrities who tried to stay impartial and neutral. “The only thing we can do as one is make a decision that we want peace, not to support or perpetuate violence by funding military activity on either side,” said Russell Brand.

Admittedly, American stars have remained largely supportive of Israel, while expressing concern over civilian casualties; however, their European celebrity counterparts have accused Israel of engaging in “a war of occupation and extermination”.

Compiled By Saman JAved

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2014.