Creatives for Gaza

Banner Photo Credit: Dylan Whale

Since October 7th, 2023, the people of Palestine, particularly in Gaza, have endured unimaginable suffering as a result of Israel’s brutal aggression in response to the horrific crimes perpetrated by Hamas. With relentless bombardments, tens of thousands of deaths, severe restrictions on essential supplies, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of families, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached devastating levels.

The ongoing hostilities occur within the context of Israel’s prolonged, belligerent occupation of Palestinian territory. While this does not legitimize any form of violence, the situation is not sustainable, the unabated construction of settlements and transfer of settler populations into the West Bank, as well as the 16-year-long blockade of the Gaza Strip, which transformed Gaza into an open-air prison where residents face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement and systematic limitations on access to food, medicine and electricity—much of which is controlled by the Israelis. Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is unconscionable and untenable, and any attempt to end the current hostilities must involve fully dismantling the occupation and apartheid regime imposed on Palestinians. Until that happens, as an occupier, Israel has a duty under international law to protect the Palestinian population and respect Palestinians’ human rights.

In November 2023, INOVAS released a statement condemning war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated in Israel and Palestine and called on all involved parties and the international community to work to end hostilities immediately to protect all civilians. On January 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that it is “plausible” Israel has committed acts violating the Genocide Convention. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (also known as Deif) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

More than a year after the continued perpetration of massacres against the Palestinian people, the international community’s response remains marked by double standards, failing to contribute in ending the violence, let alone addressing its root causes. In the face of this, INOVAS has turned to art as a powerful medium to amplify the voices of the victims in Gaza and to honor their humanity, strength, and steadfastness (“sumoud”, in Arabic). Art, as a universal language, transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies. It speaks directly to the heart, evokes deep empathy, and challenges indifference.

Throughout the year, INOVAS invited artists worldwide to respond to the question, “What does solidarity with the people of Gaza mean to you?” The result is the collection of artworks presented in this booklet. These pieces do more than express support; they highlight the resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit of the Palestinian people, who, despite unimaginable suffering that has persisted since the beginning of the occupation, continue to resist.

The Creatives for Gaza initiative not only provides a platform for artists to show their solidarity but also reminds us that humanity cannot turn a blind eye to suffering. It is a call to acknowledge the strength of those who endure, who resist, and who inspire through their determination and creativity. INOVAS believes that art has the power to heal, to resist oppression, and to unite people in the pursuit of justice. Together, we can use creativity to uphold dignity, resilience, and hope for Gaza.