Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem denounce Israel for Gaza violence

Many Spanish artistes including star-couple Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and director Pedro Almodovar have denounced Israel's bombing in Gaza as "genocide".
In an open letter, the artistes called on the European Union to "condemn the bombing by land, sea and air against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip", according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Describing Israel's attack on Gaza as genocide, they also demanded a ceasefire and urged Israel to "lift the blockade, which the Gaza Strip has suffered for more than a decade".
"Gaza is living through horror these days, besieged and attacked by land, sea and air. Palestinians' homes are being destroyed, they are being denied water, electricity (and) free movement to their hospitals, schools and fields while the international community does nothing."

Others prominent names who have signed the letter include directors Montxo Armendariz and Benito Zambrano; actors Lola Herrera, Eduardo Noriega and Rosa Maria Sarda; and musicians Amaral and Nacho Campillo.
The entertainers blamed the new round of violence in the Middle East on the occupation of Palestinian land by Israel, which, the letter said, "continues to advance into and invade the Palestinian territories instead of returning to the 1967 borders."

According to reports, almost 1,088 Palestinians and 56 Israelis have been killed in the violence that started three weeks ago.
Bardem won the Oscar for supporting actor in 2008 for his role in 'No Country for Old Men' while Cruz became an Oscar winner in the same category for her role in Woody Allen's 2009 drama 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'.

Almodovar, one of the most prominent directors in Spain, has won two Oscars-- one for best foreign language film for 2002 film 'All About My Mother' and one for best original screenplay for 'Talk to Her' the same year.