Israel Artist Holds Off Opening Venice Biennale Pavilion until Ceasefire and Hostage Release

The Israeli national pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which was set to open with Ruth Patir's video installation "(M)otherland," has remained closed due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Patir expressed her disappointment about the lost time for art and stated that she would only open the exhibit once a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is reached. Thousands of artists, architects, and curators signed a petition earlier this year urging the Biennale organizers to ban Israel over its actions in Gaza. The Israeli representative at the exhibition also confirmed that they will not unveil the country's pavilion until these conditions are met. Patir has vowed to raise her voice for peace and the release of hostages.