LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine has apparently evoked emotional support from a number of Hollywood stars including Madonna, Natalie Portman, and Gal Gadot among others.
The conflict between the two nations has been simmering for over a century but it exploded into fresh, all-out war after Palestinian militant organization Hamas launched its worst assault on Israel.
On Saturday, October 7, militants blasted a barrage of rockets from Gaza, and sent fighters across the border, with many killing and kidnapping revelers at the Tribe of Nova music festival.
The Middle Eastern country formally declared war on Sunday and began its own strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. Officials later confirmed that over 700 Israeli civilians had been killed in the attacks and another 2,150 were gravely wounded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced that the IDF (army) would “use all its force to destroy Hamas's capabilities” and to take “'mighty vengeance for this black day.”
How celebrities reacted to Hamas’ attack on Israel
A number of celebrities have come forward to express their solidarity for Israel amid the country's escalated conflict with Palestinian militants.
Natalie Portman
The 42-year-old Portman, who was born in Jerusalem as Natalie Hershlag, reacted to the war by sharing a post on Instagram, saying her "heart was shattered for the people of Israel."
"Children, women, and the elderly have been murdered and abducted from their own homes. am in horror at the barbaric acts and my heart is pounding with love and prayer for the families of all affected,” she further stated.
Gal Gadot
The ‘Wonder Woman' star, who has served in the Israeli army, posted screengrabs of a news article on the Israel-Palestine war, saying, ''At least 250 Israelis have been murdered and dozens of women children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Palestinian military group Hamas.''
“Starting early morning more than 3,000 rockets were fire. Hamas is holding hostages, and controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1,500 injured and heavy fighting is still ongoing. I hear their voices and they are banging on the door. I am with my two little children. Praying for all of those in pain,” she continued.
Gadot later posted the Star of David on her Instagram and wrote, “I stand with Israel you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!”
Madonna
The 65-year-old Pop icon also shared a video of violence against Israeli civilians on Instagram, writing, "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."
"Imagine if this was happening to you?" she continued, adding, "It’s Unfathomable. Conflicts can never be resolved with violence. Unfortunately, Humanity does not understand this Universal truth. Has Never Understood it.”
“We live in a World Ravaged by Hate. My heart goes out to Israel. To Families and Homes that have been destroyed. To children who are lost. To Innocent Victims who have Been Killed. To All Suffering. I am praying For you. You. Let us all Pray. For Israel. For Peace,” Madonna continued.
Mark Ruffalo
The ‘Avengers’ star showed his solidarity for Israel by sharing heart-shattering words from journalist Nathan Thrall, who wrote, “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,” Thrall continued.
Mark Hamill
The ‘Star Wars’ actor posted an American flag alongside an Israeli one to X and stated "America stands with Israel," adding the hashtag #ALWAYS.
Erin Foster
The daughter of David Foster slammed people for not supporting Israel, saying there was "nothing progressive or liberal in being anti- Israel."
"If you think you are on the right side by defending what happened yesterday, you are either deeply uninformed, or you do not believe in human rights," she stated.
"Hamas does not believe in having a Palestinian state. They want to demolish the state of Israel and the Jewish people. They want to demolish all Western cultures. Israel is the only democratic state in the Middle East."
“The only place you can be openly gay, A place where women have independence. Supporting Hamas is not supporting innocent civilians, of which there are many. It is supporting a Jihadist terrorist group that celebrates murder in the streets and does not believe in human rights of any kind. Including yours,” she continued.
Internet slams celebrities for supporting Israel after years of oppression
Celebrities’ reaction to the Israel-Palestine war has garnered immense social media attention, with users slamming them for staying quiet for so many years.
“I'm sorry but some celebs in this thread are just liking/posting things about civilian victims from Israel. They're showing compassion for the victims who aren't related to the governments' crimes. How is it accurate to frame them as supporting one side in the war?” one user said.
“Wonder how many celebs we will see visiting Israel during this war?” a second user wrote.
“I swear celebs are disgusting human beings. With this Israel & Palestine war, you see the real face of those mfs,” the third user fumed while the fourth user asserted, “textbook performative activism while doing absolutely no research.”
“The Palestinian-Israel war been going on for so long, so it’s weird to see all these teams and politicians and celebs coming out in support of a side now,” one more wrote.
