Actor Amy Jackson publicly condemned the ongoing assault on Rafah in Gaza. She expressed her unwavering support for the people of Palestinr and criticised the film festivals and the several media outlets for silencing the people who had been advocating for Palestine.
On Monday, the actress took to her social media handle on Instagram and shared her solidarity with the Palestinian community in a powerful post. She brought to the surface, the stark contrast between the priviledged lives of those participating in the film festival and the harsh realities that is currently being faced by the people living in Gaza. Jackson’s impassioned statement comes as global attention intensifies on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children, are suffering the devastating impact of Israeli military actions.
Highlighting the distressing situation, Jackson pointed to the estimated 600,000 children in Rafah who are living in constant fear, many of whom have been orphaned or displaced by the conflict. She vehemently criticized the silence of major film festivals and media outlets, accusing them of failing to amplify the voices speaking out against what she termed genocide.
“Living our privileged lives while innocent people endure genocide is a stark contrast. As a mother, the pain and suffering of the 600,000 terrified, mostly orphaned children in Rafha is unimaginable. Our society has lost its moral compass. Film festivals and media outlets silencing outcry against genocide highlight the injustice in our world today. We demand a CEASEFIRE. Do not stay silent. Do not let our governments distract from the torture the Palestinian people face. There is NO JUSTIFICATION for the murder of innocent men, women, and children,” Jackson’s post read. She demanded for an immediate easefire and encouraged the continuous awareness of the Palestinian plight.
Also read: US Condemns IDF Strike In Rafah, Calls On Israel To Prioritize Civilian Safety
Jackson’s remarks follow recent controversies at the Cannes Film Festival, where actress Cate Blanchett sparked debate with her choice of attire. Fans observed that Blanchett’s dress, featuring black, white, and green hues, resembled the Palestinian flag, speculating that it was a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian cause amidst the ongoing violence.
This visual symbol of support at Cannes drew widespread attention on social media, where many praised Blanchett for her subtle but powerful statement. The discussion surrounding her attire added to the broader discourse on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Nihad Awad, executive director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, echoed Jackson’s sentiments, criticizing President Biden’s continued military support to Israel. “Sadly, because of President Biden’s insistence on sending more bombs to enable Netanyahu’s war crimes in Rafah, this is now as much an American genocide as it is an Israeli genocide,” Awad stated.
In response, Israeli and U.S. officials have rejected the characterization of the situation as genocide. The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over the Rafah incident, urging Israel to conduct a thorough investigation, which Israel has committed to doing. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Washington is closely monitoring Israel’s actions but stated that military operations in Rafah have not reached the scale of those in other parts of Gaza.
Global leaders have expressed horror at the violence in Rafah, especially in designated “humanitarian zones” where displaced families had sought refuge. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict. Israel’s military offensive was launched following a brutal attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages.
