Hollywood Reacts as Hostage Release Starts Under Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal: “Let the Healing Begin”
Gal Gadot, Mayim Bialik, Gwyneth Paltrow, Patricia Heaton and Michael Rappaport were among those in Hollywood to react the first Israeli hostage releases on Sunday.
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were the first three hostages released from Gaza on Sunday morning. They arrived in Israel, the military announced, hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold.
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“Doron, Romi and Emily are home,” Gadot wrote on social media. “Three families reunited. Still holding onto hope for the 94 hostages who remain.”
Bialik also joined in the celebration, adding on Instagram. “We won’t give up until they are all home.”
Also on Instagram, Heaton shared her exuberance at the return of the three female hostages. “Home. Waiting on the other dear ones,” she said in a reel.
Rappaport re-shared several reports of the hostage return on his social media, and then said in an Instagram story: “How about fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza, and the 77 years of wasted time. Fuck Gaza for letting themselves be overran by terrorists. Fuck Gaza for not saying anything or pointing out where the hostages is, fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza and fuck Gaza. How about that?”
Gwyneth Paltrow shared news of the hostages return and wrote on social media, “let the healing begin.”
Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jenn Fessler wrote on Instagram, “welcome home,” and Sharon Osbourne shared a news clip of the hostages family reunification.
The historic arrangement, which began earlier this week, is designed to pause fighting in the Gaza Strip and allow the phased release of Israeli hostages held in the region.
The talks leading up to the ceasefire took place in Qatar. Under the agreement, Israeli hostages held by Hamas are set to be freed in phases, while hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel are set to be released.
The deal also allows Palestinians displaced by the Gaza conflict to return, with much-needed humanitarian and medical aid allowed into the territory torn apart by 15 months of relentless war. 22 short films in From Ground Zero, Palestine’s submission for the best international feature Oscar, is an anthology feature that showcases 22 shorts by filmmakers documenting life in Gaza.
The agreement on the ceasefire, which went into effect on Sunday, is designed to end the Israel-Gaza war and Israel’s attacks on Gaza triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023 mass killing and hostage-taking of Israelis by Hamas militants.
Protests and debates surrounding the conflict have shaken up film festivals throughout the world. Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett and Susan Sarandon, Nicola Coughlan and Reservation Dogs actor Dallas Goldtooth were among those calling for a permanent ceasefire as the Gaza conflict unfolded.
Gadot, Bialik, Debra Messing, David Mamet, Gene Simmons, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Scooter Braun were among Hollywood players to voice their support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, with their advocacy often taking place online or as part of open signed letters.
Rapaport, a key supporter of Israel during the Gaza conflict, was among the first Hollywood names to react when the ceasefire was officially unveiled. Urging the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, he posted on X: “ALL OF THEM @bringhomenow.” His post included a photo collage of Israeli hostages, some of whom are expected to be freed as part of the ceasefire deal.
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