In a new campaign launched Thursday, Hollywood stars, musicians, and prominent cultural figures reached out to U.S. President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire and an end to the escalation in the war in Gaza.
Signatories include Bradley Cooper, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Joaquin Phoenix, Selena Gomez, Kristen Stewart, Jenna Ortega and others.
"Dear President Biden, We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine," the letter read.
"We ask that, as President of the United States, you and the US Congress call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 40,000 people have been killed over the last 11 months, and over 92,000 injured* – numbers that any person of conscience knows are catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians."
"We urge your administration, Congress, and all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages. Half of Gaza’s two million residents are children, and more than two thirds are refugees and their descendants being forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach them."
"We believe that the United States can play a vital diplomatic role in ending the suffering and we are adding our voices to those from the US Congress, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, The International Committee of The Red Cross, and so many others. Saving lives is a moral imperative. To echo UNICEF, 'Compassion — and international law — must prevail.'"
"Since Oct. 7, more than 70,000* tons of bombs and missiles have been dropped on Gaza - resulting in one child being killed every 10 minutes."
"Beyond our pain and mourning for all of the people there and their loved ones around the world we are motivated by an unbending will to stand for our common humanity. We stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people – and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed."
"We refuse to tell future generations the story of our silence, that we stood by and did nothing. As Emergency Relief Chief Martin Griffiths told UN News, 'History is watching.'"
This is not the first time the organization Artists4Ceasefire has called for an end to violence and escalation. Two weeks after the October 7 massacre, the group published a letter urging President Biden to work towards a ceasefire. Among the signatories were Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Jon Stewart, and Susan Sarandon.