Algeria Suspends Major Art Festivals in Solidarity with Gaza
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Loading... - Jendayi Gad
- 17 Jul 2024
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In a bold show of solidarity with Gaza, Algeria's Culture Ministry has announced the suspension of all major art festivals this summer. This decision comes in response to the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza, which began in October.
Culture Minister Soraya Mouloudji declared that the ministry would redirect its efforts towards activities that express Algeria's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Mouloudji emphasized Algeria’s steadfast position in backing "the Palestinian cause and its brave legitimate struggle against Zionist brutality."
Among the suspended events are the Timgad International Cultural Festival in Batna and the Kazif International Festival in Algiers, both significant cultural fixtures in Algeria’s summer calendar.
Background of the Conflict
Since an attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on October 7, Israel has launched a relentless military campaign against Gaza, defying a UN Security Council resolution that demands an immediate cease-fire. The offensive has been met with widespread international condemnation.
Local health authorities report that more than 38,300 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives, with nearly 88,300 others injured. The war has left vast portions of Gaza in ruins and exacerbated a dire humanitarian crisis, with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ recently ordered Israel to cease its military operations in Rafah, a southern city where over a million Palestinians sought refuge before the invasion on May 6.
Algeria’s Support for Palestine
Algeria’s suspension of its cultural festivals underscores the nation’s commitment to the Palestinian struggle. The Culture Ministry’s decision aims to amplify Algeria’s solidarity through intensified cultural and public activities dedicated to the Palestinian cause.
This move aligns with Algeria’s historical stance on supporting Palestine, highlighting the country's dedication to standing against what it views as Zionist aggression and supporting the Palestinian people’s rights and sovereignty.
