British actress’ support for Gaza cuts through Western silence

Over the past two years, British actress, Juliet Stevenson, has emerged as one of the most prominent cultural voices supporting the Palestinian people, especially in relation to Gaza. Her bold stance within the British artistic community has set her apart, earning her the title of ‘national treasure.’

Artists against Gaza Genocide

Responding to the genocide in Gaza, Stevenson has participated in protest marches, signed petitions and open letters, written articles. She has actively contributed to artistic works highlighting Israeli crimes in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories — asserting that silence in the face of these atrocities is morally unacceptable.

Last week, Stevenson joined dozens of British cultural and artistic figures, including Judi Dench, Meera Syal, and Sienna Miller. They came together in a letter of protest addressed to the management of Mumsnet, a popular online platform for UK parents in Britain.

The letter called for real pressure to be exerted on the British government to demand that the occupation allow the delivery of maternity clinics stuck in Egypt to Gaza. It also urged humanitarian organisations to deliver essential aid, especially basic necessities for women and girls.

Mothers for Mothers

Stevenson also participated in the ‘Mothers for Mothers’ campaign, supported by celebrated actresses Dames Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Joanna Lumley and Meera Syal.

In an interview with Al Jazeera English, Stevenson stressed that what the mothers of Gaza are going through is beyond human endurance and imagination.

She expressed helplessness and pain at the suffering of the people of Gaza, stressing that Palestinians love and cherish their children as much as any parents anywhere else in the world.

The British actress condemned the tragic impact on Gaza’s children, pointing to the rise in amputations and orphaned children. She also called attention to the suffering of pregnant women in Gaza, whose hunger and malnutrition result in severely underweight babies.

She also pointed to the destruction of most of the health system’s facilities in Gaza, and the high rates of infant mortality and miscarriages, given the lack of even basic medical care.

Redressing historical injustice

Stevenson emphasised that her support for the Palestinian cause is not a recent development, but stems from a long-held conviction. She considers the Palestinian cause to be a stark example of historical injustice, which compels her to speak up.

Regarding the impact of her political positions on her artistic career, she said that she does not consider any artistic work more important than the lives of Palestinian children.

She revealed that she has not faced any professional sanctions because of her positions. On the contrary, the past period has seen more artistic activity in support of Palestinians than ever before.

Featured image via Leon Neal/Getty Images