Actor Mark Ruffalo is under fire online after sharing a petition to end "child bloodshed" amid the Israeli-Palestinian war.
On October 19, the 55-year-old took to X—the social network formerly known as Twitter—to post the petition, along with the caption: "Israel / Palestine -- Stop Child Bloodshed Now. #ShieldTheChildren. Sign the Petition today."
The Marvel star linked to the Avaaz website, where the petition is hosted.
"What's needed to end this atrocious child abuse is a deal where Hamas releases the children and families it's holding hostage, in parallel with Israel freeing the Palestinian children it's imprisoned, and halting its military assault on schools and areas populated with kids," the petition reads.
On October 7, Hamas led the deadliest Palestinian militant attack on Israel in history, and Israel subsequently launched its heaviest ever airstrikes on Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country is "at war" and has cut off supplies of food, fuel, electricity and medicine into Gaza.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry told The Associated Press on Friday that 3,785 Palestinians have been killed and more than 12,500 others have been wounded.
More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, the AP said. An Israeli military spokesperson said the families of 203 people thought to have been kidnapped by Hamas and taken into Gaza had been notified.
The petition continues: "Let's ignite an unprecedented global outcry demanding key leaders from the U.S., Qatar, Turkey and Germany use their influence on Israel and Hamas to save the children on both sides."
Although well-intentioned, the post ignited mockery from followers. The actor later deleted the post, but not until after it had received over 36,000 views. Newsweek has reached out to Ruffalo via email for comment.
Since the current war between Israel and Hamas broke out, many celebrities have spoken out on the topic. While some have chosen to remain neutral, offering support for both Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, others have received backlash for choosing one side.
On October 18, Jewish comedian Sarah Silverman was blasted on social media for seemingly supporting Israel's decision to cut off water, electricity, food and fuel supplies to Gaza, while Lebanese former adult film star Mia Khalifa was "canceled" for describing Hamas as "freedom fighters" on X.
Ruffalo's post led to a lot of criticism from social media users.
"Wow yeah, this should do the trick," one wrote.
"Petitions won't work," said another, while FloridaForeverRed called the Emmy winner a "Typical out of touch liberal."
Others criticized the A-lister's past support for Palestinians, with Kibo writing: "You've been through this before, shut up and stand with Israel."
While others held the opposite view, with Eve commenting: "Our nation, the Biden administration, has given support to their genocide. Unacceptable."
Read more
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- Mark Ruffalo, Marvel stars support Wisconsin Democrats against "nutjobs"
This isn't the first time Ruffalo has caused uproar only with his thoughts on Israel and Palestinians.
In 2021, the star apologized after sharing posts seemingly accusing Israel of "genocide" during the 11-day conflict between the country and Hamas.
After a clash between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police in Jerusalem, Hamas fired rockets into Israel, with Israeli forces launching airstrikes at what was reportedly Hamas' military center. Over 230 Palestinians—including 65 children—died, along with at least 12 Israelis before a cease-fire was reached.
In response to the conflict, Ruffalo shared a petition to X on May 10, 2021, that compared Israel to apartheid South Africa.
"1500 Palestinians face expulsion in #Jerusalem. 200 protesters have been injured. 9 children have been killed," he wrote alongside the link.
"Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people - it's time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians. Join the call. #SheikhJarrah."
I have reflected & wanted to apologize for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing “genocide”. It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful & is being used to justify antisemitism here & abroad. Now is the time to avoid hyperbole.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) May 25, 2021
On May 25, the actor apologized for the decision, writing: "I have reflected & wanted to apologize for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing 'genocide.'
"It's not accurate, it's inflammatory, disrespectful & is being used to justify antisemitism here & abroad. Now is the time to avoid hyperbole."
Correction and update 10/20/23 6:15 a.m. ET: This story was updated with further information and to make clear the 2021 clash between between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police took place in Jerusalem, not the Gaza Strip.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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