The attack carried out this Saturday by the Palestinian military group Hamas against southern Israel marked the escalation of the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. With this new horizon of crisis in the Middle East and after the attack from the Gaza Strip, a large number of celebrities have taken a stand on Israel's side. Although not all, since some few celebrities are in tune with the Palestinian cause - not with violence - either by ancestry or by solidarity with the innocent people of Gaza.
Kylie Jenner received a barrage of criticism on social media when she posted her support for Israel on Instagram. "Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel," Kim Kardashian's sister shared in a post she later deleted. Jenner's stance sparked widespread criticism as many netizens questioned her understanding of the 75-year occupation of the Palestinian territories. In this sense, many also saw an insult to her supermodel friend Bella Hadid, who is of Palestinian and Dutch descent and who has spoken at length and openly about the rights of Palestinians.
Mark Ruffalo, known for his roles in Spotlight, Shutter Island or the Hulk in several blockbuster Marvel films, was also criticized on social media for making the latest escalation of violence ugly for both parties. This time, on his official "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 bombed and besieged."
Jamie Lee Curtis also had to delete a post after receiving violent comments for sharing a photo of Palestinian children calling for "all children to be protected." The actress has always shown her support for Israel, but she was forced to delete that publication in which she used, by mistake or not, Samar Abu Elouf's image for the New York Times of Palestinian families seeking refuge in Gaza . She later shared an image of unrecognizable children along with the message that "in war all children must be protected."
Israeli actress Natalie Portman shared a message on her Instagram in support of the people of her country and wanted to condemn the "barbaric acts." "My heart is broken for the people of Israel. Children, women and the elderly have been murdered and kidnapped in their own homes. I am horrified by these barbaric acts and my heart beats with love and prayer for the families of all those affected," he wrote .
Another Israeli actress, Gal Gadot, was criticized for her response to this latest episode of violence. "I support Israel and you should too," Gadot posted on Instagram. "The world cannot stand by when these horrible acts of terror occur," she said. "My heart hurts. Praying for all who suffer." Since then, Gadot's comments section has been flooded with users writing "Free Palestine" and messages with the Palestinian flag icon.
Algerian professional boxer and model Younes Bendjima criticized the idea of blaming both sides for the fight. "There is only one side," he wrote. He disfigured the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and movement restrictions, among other controversies. Bendjima also emphasized the disparity in international support, noting that the Palestinians do not enjoy US support.
Former New Zealand rugby international Sonny Bill Williams posted: "Praying for Gaza!" accompanied by a Palestinian flag. Also, American Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad shared a quote from Malcolm
Madonna, for her part, remembered all those affected by the conflict, although she clearly supported Israel. The Material Girl singer shared the message that conflicts between nations can never be resolved with more violence. "My heart goes out to Israel [...] I am aware that this is the work of Hamas and that there are many innocent people in Palestine who do not support this terrorist organization. This tragic attack will only cause more suffering for everyone. Let us all pray. For Israel. For peace. For the world," he wrote.
In the past, without the context of this attack by the Palestinian military group Hamas from Gaza, other celebrities have shown their support for the Palestinian cause or the innocents of the Gaza Strip. This is the case of Bella Hadid, Emma Watson, Selena Gomez, Zayn Malik, Dua Lipa and The Weeknd.
