Gaza at the Oscars: Red Pin Calls for Ceasefire

Gaza was present at the 96th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood yesterday. Several stars, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, and Swan Arlo, wore red pins symbolizing support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. A statement from the group Artists4Ceasefire, which is behind the campaign, indicated that "the pin symbolizes collective support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza," according to Axios. Comedian Ramy Youssef told Variety magazine, "We also call for peace and lasting justice for the people of Palestine." Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Los Angeles near the Dolby Theatre to also urge for a ceasefire in Gaza. It is worth noting that Artists4Ceasefire, which includes members of the entertainment industry, urged U.S. President Joe Biden last week to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, in an open letter signed by several stars, including Oscar nominees for 2024 Bradley Cooper and America Ferrera.