'There is no other side:' Western celebrities react to the Israel-Hamas conflict

In an unprecedented attack, Hamas militias broke Israel’s defenses, killing around 1,000 people and taking many prisoners on Oct. 7. Since then, Israel has retaliated, taking back territory and carrying out deadly attacks on the Gaza Strip, killing and injuring thousands. And Hollywood celebrities haven’t been able to stop talking about it on social media. Here are some of the strongest reactions.

Born in Jerusalem, this actress has deep ties to Israel but has also been critical of some of the state’s policies in the past. Her statement on the attack was short and emotional: “My heart is shattered for the people of Israel…. I am in horror at these barbaric acts and my heart is pounding with love and prayer for the families of all affected,” she posted on Instagram.

The actress posted to her Instagram story a photo showing Palestinian children looking terrified and captioned it “terror from the skies.” However, it was tied with a post supporting Israel, and it seems she thought the Palestinian children were Israeli. After an hour, apparently realizing they were Palestinian kids, she deleted the post. Now, her main comment is in the form of an image of the Israeli flag.

Image: jamieleecurtis/Instgarm (deleted post)

The member of the Kardashian clan also backtracked her post. Originally she re-posted a statement with a big Israeli flag saying “Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel!” But after a lot of pushback and criticism of her weak understanding of the situation, she deleted the post.

The former Israeli Miss Universe who has broken into Hollywood as Wonder Woman has been posting a lot about the attack and trying to raise money for Israel. “I stand with Israel you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!” she wrote.

The comic actor and activist has posted a lot about the conflict, and slammed those, including Black Lives Matter activists (via a repost), who aren’t speaking up to condemn the Hamas attack. “There is no other side. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Stop sitting at home wondering how to be diplomatic. They want to murder all Jews,” she wrote, accusing many activists of being antisemitic.

Image: amyschumer/Instagram

One of the few voices to come out in support of Palestine recently is the Lebanese model adult star Mia Khalifa, who was reportedly fired as an adviser to Red Light Holland and as being linked to P l a y boy. She had called the Palestinians on Saturda “freedom fighters” and said, “If you can look at the situation in Palestine and not be on the side of Palestinians, then you are on the wrong side of apartheid.”

Image: @miakhalifa/Twitter

The ‘13 Going on 30’ actor posted a nuanced statement. “Concerning the tragic events unfolding in Israel and Gaza, I am grief-stricken for the unspeakable suffering and loss of life and loved ones. This horrific violence must end. I have no answers obviously, but I feel it is absolutely necessary to focus on our shared human existence and reality. The sanctity of our common humanity will hopefully serve to heal the unimaginable wounds of division.”

Babs said she was “shocked and shaken” since she heard of the attacks on Israel. “What happened to the rules of engagement? This attack is brutality without any humanity or compassion,” she wrote. “There are no words to explain the insanity of what is happening,“ she said adding that she’s grieving, praying, and supporting an Israeli Emergency Fund.

While the outspoken actress hasn’t said anything herself, she has reported comments that called Gaza an “open-air prison,” “h e l l on earth,” as per the UN Secretary-General, and that reminded people that 50% of the population lives in poverty, 90% without access to clean drinking water. She also posted an unsupported claim that Israel was using white phosphorus on Gaza.

When he was 16, the comic worked on a Kibbutz in Israel and said he has loved “our Jewish homeland ever since.” “We believe in justice, freedom, and equality. We survive and flourish no matter what. I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people,” he said on Instagram.

The award-winning actress spoke about propaganda. “The goal of propaganda is to dehumanize. It works to dehumanize Israelis and it works to dehumanize Gazans… this weekend reminded me how widespread it is. Because a lot of people reacted to this violence with justification, not empathy.”

The comedian said her sister, nieces, and nephews are there and have been protesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 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…”

The singer also posted a strong reaction: “What is Happening in Israel is Devastating... It’s Un-fathomable. Conflicts can never be resolved with violence. Unfortunately Humanity does not understand this Universal truth… My heart goes out to Israel. To Families and Homes that have been destroyed. To children who are lost… I am aware that this is the work of Hamas and there are many innocent people in Palestine who do not support this terrorist organization. This Tragic attack will only cause more suffering for everyone.”

‘Star Wars’ star Mark Hamill made a symbol post on his social media next to an image showing American and Israeli flags side-by-side. America stands with Israel #ALWAYS”

This model with Palestinian heritage remained silent until Tuesday but eventually posted that her thoughts are “with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy…. I have deep empathy and heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle… While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person,” she said. Her sister Bella has yet to say anything.