During the Berlin Film Festival, Palestinian-Syrian filmmaker Abdullah Khatib used his acceptance speech to accuse Germany of being complicit in the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza. Khatib, who wore a Palestinian keffiyeh, expressed that he was warned to be cautious in his statements as a refugee in Germany, but he prioritized speaking out for his people and Palestine instead. He criticized the German government directly, stating that they should be aware of their complicity but choose to remain indifferent.

Khatib's speech resonated with many in attendance as it highlighted the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the European response to the conflict. After delivering his remarks, he raised the Palestinian flag, symbolizing solidarity and prompting a strong reaction at the event. The incident underlines the intersection of art and activism, especially in international contexts where filmmakers leverage their platforms to draw attention to pressing political issues.

The reaction from governmental officials was immediate, as evidenced by the departure of German Environment Minister Karsten Schneider from the ceremony after Khatib's statements. This act of leaving underscores the tension between political representatives and artistic expressions of dissent, especially concerning sensitive topics such as the Israel-Palestine conflict. Such incidents at cultural events reflect broader societal divisions and the urgent calls for accountability from international actors in crises across the globe.