Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem denounce Israel in open letter

Penelope Cruz and her husband Javier Bardem are among a host of Spanish stars who have penned an open letter denouncing Israel over the Middle East conflict.

The acting couple and director Pedro Almodovar were joined by other Spanish industry executives who are urging European Union (EU) officials to condemn Israel over the growing unrest in the region.

In the letter, published in local Spanish newspapers on Tuesday (29Jul14), they accuse Israeli leaders of presiding over a "genocide" and demand a ceasefire.

They are asking EU representatives to "condemn the bombing by land, sea and air against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip".