Hollywood Reacts to Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal, Hostage Release
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the terms of a ceasefire deal that was confirmed on Wednesday, a historic agreement expected to pause fighting in the Gaza Strip and allow the phased release of Israeli hostages held in the region.
As the devastating wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles, some Hollywood figures have taken to their social media to react to the long-awaited ceasefire deal.
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Comedian and actor Michael Rapaport, a key supporter of Israel during the Gaza conflict, in a post on X, urged the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as he wrote: “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 deal.
Jack & Jill creator Randi Mayem Singer, on her Bluesky account, tied in the continuing Los Angeles fire tragedy when she wrote of the three-phase deal: “Grateful for the ceasefire in Gaza. Also grateful all the California fire experts can now become ceasefire deal experts.”
The comedy screenwriter was more pointed in a second post that followed when she added: “Just so we’re clear: Trump doesn’t get credit for the cease fire in Hamas. Trump & Bibi get credit for there NOT being a cease fire until after the election.”
Her post came after both President-elect Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, and President Joe Biden, in a televised news conference, gave their respective remarks about the peace plan.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” Trump wrote on his social media account.
President Biden, in his own comments on Wednesday, touted the ceasefire deal as a major win reached during his final days in the White House. “The road to this deal has not been easy. I’ve worked in foreign policy for decades. This is one of the toughest negotiations I’ve ever experienced,” he told reporters.
He was asked twice about Trump’s role in the deal. The second time he was asked was while he was exiting the presser. “Who should take credit for this, you or Trump?” asked a reporter, to which Biden turned back to say over his shoulder asked, “Is that a joke?”
Earlier during the presser, Biden said his administration and Trump’s team were “speaking as one” in the negotiations. Biden had announced first outlined the three-phase ceasefire agreement on May 31.
The negotiations leading up to the ceasefire deal took place in Qatar as the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas was agreed in phases alongside the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
The agreement will also allow Palestinians displaced by the Gaza conflict to return to what is likely the ruins of their homes, while much-needed humanitarian and medical aid will be allowed into a territory torn apart by 15 months of relentless war.
The proposed phased agreement to end the Gaza conflict was preceded by the Oct. 7, 2023, mass killing and hostage-taking by Hamas militants that triggered the Israel-Gaza war and Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The ceasefire goes into effect Sunday, with saying on Wednesday that he hoped the “details will be finalized tonight.”
Protests and debates surrounding the conflict have since 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.
Gal Gadot, Mayim 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.
This is a developing story.
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