Artist refuses to open Israeli Venice Biennale exhibition until there is a ceasefire in Gaza

Palestinians, who were displaced by Israel's military offensive on south Gaza, make their way as they attempt to return to their homes in north Gaza. Photo: Reuters

Colleen Barry

The artist and curators representing Israel at this year's Venice Biennale announced on Tuesday they will not open the Israeli pavilion exhibition until there is a ceasefire in Gaza and an agreement to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Their decision was posted on a sign in the window of the Israeli national pavilion on the first day of media previews, just days before the Biennale contemporary art fair opens on Saturday.