Gal Gadot supports Israel amid Palestinian conflict, Bruno Mars cancels Tel Aviv show
Gal Gadot, Kylie Jenner, Nina Dobrev and more celebrities have shown solidarity for Israel amid the country's escalated conflict with Palestinian militants.
"I stand with Israel you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!" Gadot posted Saturday on Instagram. The "Wonder Woman 1984" star is Israeli.
Israel and Palestinian militants are at war after stunning and deadly surprise attacks by Hamas on Saturday that coincided with a major Jewish holiday and the 50th anniversary of the start of the 1973 Yom Kippur war. It was one of the most significant attacks on Israel in decades, with militants infiltrating 22 towns and army bases. More than 600 Israelis have been killed since Hamas militants began their assault, volunteer group ZAKA told Israeli media.
Israel responded by rushing troops to the border area of Palestine's Gaza City and launching airstrikes across the blockaded territory. Palestinian officials say more than 300 Gazans have been killed.
Josh Gad says 'we are all losers' in Israel-Palestinian conflict
Josh Gad expressed sadness for lives lost in Israel on Threads Saturday. "I have no words. I am praying for my many family members in Israel. What a cowardly act," he wrote. "What we are witnessing in real time right now is unprecedented since the Yom Kippur war. My heart breaks for the families of those who have lost loved ones, and for the hostages who have been taken. What a horrific day."
On Sunday, Gad said that he was "personally attacked, shamed, unfollowed and threatened" for expressing sympathy for Israeli citizens killed in a surprise attack orchestrated by the Hamas.
"Instead of compassion & humanity, people are treating this as if it’s a FOOTBALL match with two teams when the points scored are dead human bodies. Waving flags around as if they are team jerseys," he continued. "Somewhere in a basement right now, tied up and terrified are little CHILDREN who have never done anything to hurt a Palestinian. Somewhere on the streets of Gaza are innocent people who are being shelled, because terrorists decided it was best to destroy any opportunity for peace."
Gad, who said he has also "been critical of the Israeli Government and it’s pattern of occupation and their attacks on innocent Gazans," added that he was sadden that there isn't "communal despair" around the current situation in Israel.
"There are no winners here. We are all losers. Most importantly, every Israeli and Palestinian is now on the losing end," he concluded. "I am truly at a loss. I guess I’m the naive one."
Josh Gad (@joshgad) on Threads
Kylie Jenner, Nina Dobrev, Ashley Tisdale show support for Israel
Jenner, Ashley Tisdale, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sofia Richie are among many celebrities who have shared a graphic from pro-Israel nonprofit organization Stand With Us in their Instagram Stories to show support.
The image from the anti-semitism organization states: "Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel!"
Jenner removed the graphic from her Instagram Stories after receiving criticism across social media.
"Imagine asking kylie jenner to tell us more about the political and territorial conflict between israel and palestine since 1948 and lets see what she has to say," one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Another tweeted: "Girl, if that’s what you support. Then stand by it. Or was it just more performative activism? Don’t double back now that you’re getting backlash."
Dobrev and Amy Schumer reposted several videos in support of Israel.
Schumer added commentary on an Instagram post, writing, "Jewish people are the only group not allowed to defend themselves."
"This has nothing to do with the occupation. Hamas don’t want end to occupation. They want to eradicate Israel," she wrote. "They’re funded by Iran, who are trying to destroy the peace deal."
Bruno Mars cancels show in Israel amid Palestinian conflict
Bruno Mars planned two nights in Israel as part of his ongoing world tour. His first concert in Tel Aviv went on without a hitch on Wednesday, but his Saturday performance was canceled amid Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"Bruno Mars concert scheduled to take place tonight is cancelled," Live Nation Israel announced on Instagram hours ahead of the event.
The organizer promised refunds to all ticket holders, adding, "We stand with the residents of Israel, IDF fighters and the security forces in these difficult moments."
Mars did not personally address the canceled show or comment on Israel's current state.
'90210' actor Sara Foster calls for accountability among Palestinians in denouncing Hamas attack
Sara Foster, who starred as Jen Clark on "90210," took to her Instagram story Sunday to criticize Palestinian influencers who have stayed silent on the recent violence committed by Hamas in Israel.
Foster, daughter of music producer David Foster, added that "you can still be a proud Palestinian who holds Hamas accountable for this."
"You can not stand with the government of Israel and still denounce the killing of innocent children," Foster wrote. "We will never thrive as a global society if we don't start holding our own accountable."
What is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
One of the world's most enduring and intractable conflicts connects to a century of competing claims to land, borders and rights in a region of deep historical and religious significance.
The United Nations in 1947 tried to divide the-then British Mandate of Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states. A year later, when the state of Israel was created, the first Arab-Israeli War broke out. Ever since Israel's victory and following several other wars, Palestinians have gradually been displaced from territory that they also see as their rightful homeland.
Israel-Hamas conflict live updates:Death toll nears 1,000 as Israel formally declares war
Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, Phillip M. Bailey, Josh Meyer, Sudiksha Kochi and Francesca Chambers and Edward Segarra, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
