Since October 7, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have killed over 32,000 and injured over 70,000 Palestinians in their ongoing war on Gaza, under the pretext of eradicating Hamas after their attack on Israel that killed over 1,500 Israelis. The Israeli government has severely limited humanitarian aid coming in at the border crossings, leading northern Gaza to the brink of famine.

Back in January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel was at “plausible” culpability of genocide and ordered “immediate and effective measures” to stop acts of genocide. The UN Security Council has demanded an immediate ceasefire, at least for Ramadan, and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has just declared that Israel’s actions have crossed the threshold into genocide. Yet, the onslaught on Gaza had continued for months, and thousands of civilian Palestinians continue to suffer and die from bombs, bullets, starvation, and dehydration.

While it has been taboo for decades across the film and tv industry to speak up for Palestine, thankfully more are speaking up now. From The Zone of Interest director Jonathan Glazer’s superb speech calling out the Occupation of Palestine for being at the root of the violence, to the hundreds of artists in Hollywood who have demanded a ceasefire, to the thousands of queer artists voicing support for Palestine, more artists in the industry are finding their voice to speak up against the systemic crimes inflicted on the Palestinian people.

The latest effort by artists, Cinema 4 Gaza, organized by film writer Hanna Flint, writer/director Julia Jackman, film critic Leila Latif, film writer Sophie Monks Kaufman, and producer and screenwriter Helen Simmons, brings together over 50 artists who will auction off gifts and experiences to fans to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians(MAP), a UK-based charity conducting life-saving work for Palestinians in Gaza. While a ceasefire remains the goal, these artists understand the life-saving work that’s needed right now, and through this auction, they aim to raise as much as possible while providing their fans with entertainment. A win-win!

So bid today, and get such special treats as a “Zoom bedtime story” with Tilda Swinton, a “perfect porridge” Zoom tutorial with Josh O’Connor, an invitation Ramy Youssef’s stand-up along and a meet & greet, signed memorabilia from the cast of Doctor Who including Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Peter Capaldi, and Jenna Coleman, with an additional Zoom meeting with Gillan and Darvill, Aimee Lou Wood of Sex Education talking astrology with you over Zoom, Zoom mentor session with The Swimmers director Sally El-Hosaini, a Downton Abbey book signed by stars Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter, a cup of tea with Joseph Quinn (soon to star as Johnny Storm in Marvel’s new Fantastic Four film), set hoodies from We Are Lady Parts donate by series star Aiysha Hart, and, if you live in the UK, a movie date with organizer Hanna Flint and a signed copy of her excellent memoir, Strong Female Character, along with other cinema books signed by their authors, along with much more.

In their statement, Cinema For Gaza organizers, stressed the urgency of getting medical relief to Palestinians suffering under the genocide: 

“The International Court of Justice indicated in January that there is a plausible risk of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. As the international community fails to bring the violence to an end, a pressing question persists: Where is the red line, and how many more civilians will be killed before world leaders take decisive action to enforce an immediate and permanent ceasefire? 

As we enter the sixth month of Israel’s military siege of Gaza, it has never been more vital to raise funds for the urgent humanitarian work conducted by Medical Aid for Palestinians. Their efforts are not only essential but lifesaving, as Israel’s bombardment has obliterated Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. 

We believe that art and politics are inextricably linked and are called to act in word and deed to help those subjected to unspeakable horrors across the occupied Palestinian territory. Cinema For Gaza is a passionate, inclusive fundraising space powered by the generosity of people from all corners of the film industry who will not stand idly by while Palestinians are dehumanised and attacked with impunity.”

Here is the full list of donators so far to the auction:

• Adjani Salmon
• Aisling Bea
• Aiysha Hart
• Alice Lowe
• Aimee Lou Wood
• Alison Oliver
• Arthur Darvill
• Asif Kapadia
• Asim Chaudhry
• Brian Cox
• Ella Kemp 
• Ellen E Jones
• Emma Holly Jones
• Frankie Boyle
• Ghibilioteque
• Gurinder Chadha
• Harris Dickinson
• Hanna Flint
• Hannah Strong
• Helen O’Hara
• Helen Simmons
• Imelda Staunton
• Karen Gillan
• James Krishna Floyd
• Jamie Loftus
• Jenna Coleman
• Jim Carter 
• Jolyon Rubinstein
• Joseph Quinn
• Josh O’Connor
• Lindsay Duncan
• Luna Carmoon
• Maxine Peake
• Mike Leigh
• Misan Harriman
• Molly Manning Walker
• Nia DaCosta
• Nicole Ansari-Cox
• Paapa Essiedu
• Peter Capaldi
• Prano Baily-Bond
• Ramy Youssef
• Rosa Robson 
• Rose Williams
• Sally El-Hosaini
• Susan Wokoma
• Tilda Swinton

The bidding for all the items will start on  Tuesday, April 2 at 9:00 BST and close on Friday, April 12 at 00:00 BST, which you can find here. Along with this auction, we encourage readers to donate directly to MAP, UNRWA, Doctors Without Borders, and other charities in Palestine doing life-saving work.