Since early October, the Israel-Palestine conflict has escalated again, with different responses on social media. Among Middle Eastern celebrities like Bassem Youssef, Cherihan, Fifi Abdo, Ragheb Alamé, and Yousra, all quickly expressed their support for the people of Palestine in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Western celebrities have not always been specific, although there are some who clearly expressed their support for Palestine. Here is a list of some prominent figures who used their platforms to condemn war crimes and injustice, as reported by Lorient Today on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
1. Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon, the lead actress of “Thelma & Louise,” has been committed to advocating for the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank for years. Sarandon has shared testimonies about the suffering of Gaza residents and Amnesty International’s condemnations since October 7. She also praised Ireland for its pro-Palestine stance. The 77-year-old actress urged her followers in America to urge their representatives and the White House to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.
2. Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo, the star of Avengers, is very active on social media and doesn’t wait for recent events to show his consistent support. In March 2023, Mark Ruffalo strongly condemned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s call to “eliminate Huwara,” a Palestinian town in the northern West Bank that is occupied.
3. Jessica Chastain
Oscar winner and Time’s Up activist Jessica Chastain takes a prominent stance. Echoing peace messages from activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Chastain reminded her five million followers that “war will not save children.” On October 18, 2023, she expressed her disappointment with publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post for not adequately covering the tragedy in Palestinian territories.
4. John Cusack
John Cusack wrote on his social media that he rarely hears about Israeli deaths. According to him, brutal violence in Palestine continues relentlessly, without food, water, and electricity. “Deep concerns for people told to go and then bombed when they do,” he wrote. Especially since the 2014 conflict, Cusack has frequently participated in demonstrations supporting the people of Gaza.
5. Bella and Gigi Hadid
The Hadid sisters have been leading supermodels in the fashion world for the past decade. Their father, Mohammed Hadid, is a Palestinian-American real estate tycoon who arrived in the United States as a refugee when he was young. By voicing peace and posting on social media, they regularly express their support for this cause, along with their father, who is also very active. On her Instagram page, followed by almost 80 million people, Gigi wrote, “I have deep empathy and sorrow for the struggle of Palestine and its people.”
Support from K-Pop Idols
The Israel-Palestine crisis has also gained sympathy from some K-Pop idols, many of whom have shown their support for Palestine for years. Here is a list of K-Pop idols known for supporting peace and Palestine, as quoted from Koreaboo on Tuesday, October 24, 223.
1. BM from KARD
On his birthday, BM posted that “there are too many innocent people in Gaza” who are losing their privileges to celebrate their birthdays. He asked his fans to pray.
2. Jonghyun from SHINee
Jonghyun is always outspoken about social issues and posted a photo taken from above Gaza Strip.
3. RM from BTS
RM visited the “Barakat” exhibition owned by Fayez Barakat, a Palestinian native. RM also owns two art pieces by artist Banksy. Banksy traveled to Palestine and created a series of powerful artworks in 2005. Banksy returned to Palestine in August 2015 to create a new series of powerful murals. In 2005, he made history by leaving a mural on the Israeli West Bank barrier. This time, the artist created a satirical travel advertisement about Gaza.
4. V from BTS
V also visited an exhibition about Banksy. He posted “The Flower Thrower,” “Flower Bomber,” “Rage,” or “Love is in the Air,” an anti-war artwork by Banksy depicting a Palestinian wearing a face cover throwing flowers. V also attempted to draw his own version.
5. Jimin from BTS
Jimin also shared a photo of “The Flower Thrower” and included the phrase “by Jimin” in the artwork.
6. Kevin from THE BOYZ
Kevin’s comment from 2021 about Israel resurfaced, and netizens misinterpreted it. He clarified
