The Israel-Gaza struggle looms massive over Venice in 2024; in March, the Biennale rejected a petition, signed by hundreds of artists, curators and artistic professionals, to ban Israel from the competition. Then on Tuesday, Ruth Patir, the artist representing Israel, introduced that the present wouldn’t open till a cease-fire and hostage launch deal had been agreed upon. “I hate it, however I believe it’s vital,” mentioned Patir.