Durban festival boycotts Israeli films in support of Palestinians

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) in South Africa has boycotted Israeli films in protest against Israel’s ongoing violations against Palestinians and its recent aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip.

The DIFF has recently rejected the participation of the documentary "Eretz Go" by Israeli director Yakie Ayalon.

In an email to Ayalon, the organizing committee of the DIFF announced that the festival is committed to boycotting Israel, based on its belief in social justice and the value of human rights and dignity.

"We will not be presenting any films made by Israeli directors during the Durban International Film Festival as long as the rights of Palestinians continue to be repressed by the Israeli government," the DIFF organizing committee said, likening the Israeli regime with the apartheid system under which they had once lived in South Africa, according to AFP.

Israel launched an aggression on Gaza on May 10, killing more than 230 Palestinians, including women and children, before a ceasefire came into effect on May 21.

The airstrikes followed acts of aggression by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians in Jerusalem al-Quds.

The upcoming edition of the DIFF is scheduled to open on July 22 and will run until August 1.

SQ/MG