Carsten Schneider found Abdullah Al-Khatib's statements "unacceptable" Abdullah Al-Khatib: Governments collaborating with Tel Aviv

German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider left the award ceremony at the Berlin International Film Festival after controversial remarks made by the Palestinian-Syrian director Abdullah Al-Khatib about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Al-Khatib, whose film Chronicles of the Siege Era won the “New Horizons” award for promising directors, sparked strong reactions among attendees by accusing European governments of remaining silent about what he described as "violent military actions against civilians in Gaza."

"I care about my people and Palestine" Al-Khatib, wearing the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh, said on stage: "Some told me to be careful before speaking, but I care about my people and Palestine. I will say what I want: Governments that collaborate with Tel Aviv bear responsibility for what is happening in Gaza." He concluded his speech by raising the Palestinian flag.

The speech prompted Minister Schneider to leave the hall, with a government spokesperson on Sunday stating that the minister found the remarks "unacceptable," prompting his departure.

The Israeli ambassador praised the minister’s response, saying it reflected moral clarity in handling controversial situations.

The festival saw wide participation from filmmakers who used the platform to express solidarity with Palestinians and other oppressed peoples. Turkish director Emin Alper said: "The least we can do is break the silence and remind those affected that they are not alone."

The Berlin Film Festival maintained its reputation as a politically charged cultural event, with discussions about Gaza dominating conversations among attendees and artists this year.