About a dozen national pavilions shut their doors at the Venice Biennale on Friday as artists protested Israel's participation in the exhibition over the war in Gaza. The strike, organized by the Art Not Genocide Alliance, came ahead of the event's public opening and followed weeks of controversy that included the resignation of the entire international jury in opposition to the inclusion of Israel and Russia.

Participating pavilions including those of Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Japan, North Macedonia, and South Korea closed fully, while others shut for several hours or displayed pro-Palestinian messages. Around 2,000 demonstrators later marched in Venice, briefly clashing with police as they attempted to approach the Israeli pavilion.

The Israeli pavilion remained closed during its official opening, guarded by armed officers. Inside, artist Belu-Simion Fainaru presented an installation centered on themes of spirituality and reconciliation, emphasizing that art should unite rather than divide. Italy's deputy prime minister also defended the inclusion of Israeli and Russian artists, arguing that cultural figures should not be treated as representatives of political conflicts.

The Palestinians, who do not have an official national pavilion, are represented by a separate exhibition focused on Gaza. Biennale leadership has maintained that the event is a space for coexistence without censorship, even as debate over participation continues to overshadow this year's exhibition.