Dubai, UAE— The ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip by Israel sparked off by Hamas’s multi-pronged attack on settlements, military posts inside Israel has produced mixed reaction in the region and beyond.
Hamas leaders have called for nearby countries to join them in a war against Israel. The response has been mixed. In Yemen and Turkey, there have been pro-Palestinian demonstrations, but at the same time countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have exhorted both sides to end the violence and protect civilian lives.
On social media too Hollywood stars and celebrities from around the world have voiced concern over the escalating violence that has lead to more than a thousand deaths on both sides of the divide.
Mark Ruffalo, Hollywood star, took to X, previously Twitter, to express his anguish at the bloodshed in both Gaza and Israel. “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.”
Madonna, American singer-songwriter and actress, termed the violence in Israel as devastating and heartbreaking in a post on X. “Conflicts can never be resolved with violence. Unfortunately humanity doesn’t understand this universal truth. We live in a world ravaged by hate.”
Gauahar Khan, Indian model and actress, wrote on X that killings are wrong and advocated for peace in the world. “There is no right or wrong in war. It is all wrong. All lives matter. All wars must stop.”
Sarah Silverman, American comedian and actress, was disconsolate as her sister and nieces and nephews were in Israel. “They have been protesting BIBI (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.”
Mark Hamill, American actor, wrote on X that America stands with Israel.
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper batsman who guided his team to a victory against Sri Lanka in a World Cup match in Hyderabad, India, dedicated his century to “brothers and sisters in Gaza.”
But many others voiced their support for Israel in the face of Hamas’s attack on the Jewish country.
