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Israel-Palestine war leaves celebrities divided as several Hollywood celebs, athletes and singers face a backlash for supporting Israel, while others are praised for their nuanced take on the conflict.
Israel ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza on Monday, cutting off all electricity, food and water to the area. More than 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israel airstrikes, in response to the Hamas attack.
Now, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars are speaking up to lend their support to Israel. Gal Gadot, Madonna, Natalie Portman, Andy Cohen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Debra Messing, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Kris Jenner and Meghan McCain are among the celebrities who have taken to social media to stand alongside Israel.
Influencer and fashion mogul Kylie Jenner found herself at the centre of a social media storm when she shared a now-deleted post expressing support for Israel.
Also read: ‘Nowhere safe, nowhere to go’: Palestinians suffer under relentless Israeli bombing
The Instagram post featured the Israeli flag alongside the message: “Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel.”
Jenner’s stance drew widespread criticism.
Many questioned her understanding of Israel’s 75-year occupation of the Palestinian territories.
“I stand with Israel you should too,” Gadot posted. The “Wonder Woman” star, who is Israeli, has been posting daily about Israel being under attack. “The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!”
Natalie Portman, who is Jewish, posted: “My heart is shattered for the people of Israel. Children, women and the elderly have been murdered and abducted from their own homes. I am in horror at these barbaric acts and my heart is pounding with love and prayer for the families of all affected.”
Sharing news coverage of the conflict, Madonna wrote on Instagram: “What is Happening in Israel is Devastating.. Watching all of these families and especially children being herded, assaulted and murdered in the streets is Heartbreaking.
“My heart goes out to Israel,” the pop star continued. “To Families and Homes that have been destroyed. To children who are lost. To Innocent Victims who have Been Killed. To All who are Suffering or who will suffer from this conflict. I’m Praying For you.”
Comedian Sarah Silverman expressed her concern for her sister, nieces and nephews, who have been protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial reform plans for months.
“Fight for a two state solution. Israelis are Jews and Arabs and all colours,” she said.
Silverman also acknowledged the nuanced complexity of the conflict before denouncing Hamas’ mission statement.
Mark Ruffalo, who has played the Hulk in several Marvel blockbuster films including The Avengers franchise, was also criticised for blaming both sides for the latest escalation.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the usually pro-Palestine actor shared a message from journalist and author Nathan Thrall, which said: “It is horrific to see innocent civilians killed and held hostage, and there is no justification for it.
“We pray for their safety, as we pray for the safety of the innocent people of Gaza who are being bombarded and besieged.”
Professional boxer and model Younes Bendjima criticised the idea of blaming both sides for the fighting, writing: “I’d love to but I can’t… there’s only one side.”
He went on to highlight the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, restrictions on movement, the discriminatory treatment of Palestinians at checkpoints, and the presence of Israeli snipers in the occupied territories.
Meanwhile, US Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad shared a quote from Malcolm X which read: “If you are not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
Read more below.
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My sister and nieces and nephews are there. They’ve been protesting BIBI for months. Fight for a two state solution. Israelis are Jews and Arabs and all colors. There is so much complexity to this. But make NO MISTAKE Hamas is a terror organization who’s mission statement is kill… https://t.co/RzfeXk13Vr
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) October 7, 2023
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