Letter from artists accuses Israel of ‘war crimes’ and is criticized for ignoring Hamas attacks

A letter signed by more than 2,000 actors, artists and musicians, including Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan and “Outlander” star Sam Heughan, was heavily criticized for condemning Israel without mentioning the Hamas attacks that started the war.

The open document from the Artists for Palestine group in the UK stated that the Israeli airstrikes and the government’s decision to cut off food, water and fuel supplies to the region amounted to “war crimes”. “Our governments are not only condoning war crimes, but also aiding and supporting such actions,” said the letter, which was also signed by Charles Dance of “Game of Thrones” and actress Miriam Margolyes, who played Professor Sprout in “Harry Potter”.

“There will be a time when they will be held accountable for their complicity,” the text continues. “But for now, as we condemn every act of violence against civilians and every violation of international law, whoever commits them, our obligation is to do everything possible to end the unprecedented cruelty against Gaza. We are for the global movement against the destruction of Gaza and the mass displacement of the Palestinian people.”

The letter makes no mention of the fact that Hamas terrorists killed at least 1,400 people and held around 200 hostages. Several UK officials condemned the letter, with David Mencer, former director of Labor Friends of Israel, calling it “nonsense”. “I invite this group of misfits and eccentrics to rescue their flagging careers and try their luck as artists in Gaza under Hamas rule,” he told the Telegraph.

Minister Giles Watling, who is part of the culture, media and sports committee, acknowledged that this is “a very complicated situation politically and historically”.

Recently, other celebrities wrote a letter in support of Israel – see who signed it above.