Gaza Strip, Feb. 21 -- Oscar-nominated Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania has recently declined a major film award at an event in Berlin, after an Israeli general was recognised at the same event.

Ben Hania refused to receive the "Most Valuable Film" honour at the Cinema for Peace gala, held on the sidelines of the Berlin International Film Festival, and left the trophy on stage. She said her decision was intended as a protest against what she described as political support for Israel's military actions.

Addressing the audience, Ben Hania said the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab should not be viewed as an isolated case. "What happened to Hind is not an exception. It is part of a genocide," she said, criticising those who frame large...