Hundreds of Writers, Officials Label Gaza War ‘Genocide,’ Call for Ceasefire, Sanctions

Over 680 prominent writers, artists, and public figures from around the world have called for the Israeli government's war in Gaza to be recognized as genocide, urging an immediate ceasefire and sanctions against Israel. Notable signatories include Zadie Smith, Ian McEwan, Leila Slimani, and Nobel laureates Annie Ernaux and Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, who emphasize that international legal experts and human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have identified genocidal acts committed by the Israeli Defense Forces. The signatories cite inflammatory statements from Israeli ministers as evidence of genocidal intent and highlight the destruction of cultural institutions and the severe humanitarian crisis facing Gaza under blockade. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as "very close to genocide," condemning the humanitarian blockade as a war crime, and calling for sanctions against Israeli and settler leaders. The calls for action stress the urgent need for unrestricted aid distribution, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and a ceasefire that guarantees safety and justice for all Palestinians. These international voices underscore the collective responsibility to respond decisively to what they characterize as ongoing genocide in Gaza.