Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and 700 Hollywood Figures Condemn Hamas, Demand Return of Hostages: ‘This Is Terrorism. This Is Evil’

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Selena Gomez informed her 430 million Instagram followers that she is currently taking a break from social media due to the “horror, hate, violence and terror that’s going on in the world.” The pop star and “Only Murders in the Building” actor did not directly reference the Israel-Hamas war by name, but it’s clear posts about the Hamas terrorist attack and the subsequent destruction in Gaza factored into her decision to break from social media platforms. “I’ve been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence and terror that’s going on in the world,” Gomez wrote on her Instagram story. “People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific.

Dua Lipa, Michael Stipe and Cate Blanchett have signed an open letter, urging President Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.The letter calls for “an end to the bombing of Gaza and the safe release of hostages,” as well as a safe route to be established into Palestine to deliver humanitarian aid. So far, it has been signed by dozens of high-profile names from across the entertainment world.Many of those supporting the ceasefire are musicians, such as pop star Lipa, R.E.M’s Michael Stipe, Killer Mike and Caroline Polachek.

The B-52s‘ scheduled concert at the White House last night (October 25) was cancelled due to the “sorrow and pain” of the Israel-Hamas war.The US new wave band – best known for their 1989 hit single ‘Love Shack’ – were set to play at an official state dinner for the Australian PM Anthony Albanese, hosted by the US President Joe Biden.In a statement, First Lady Jill Biden said (via The Guardian): “While we had initially planned for the legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing sorrow and pain, and we have decided to make adjustments to the entertainment portion of the evening.”It is reported that The B-52s – who are named after a US bomber aircraft – instead attended the state dinner as guests. Presidential military bands provided “instrumental music” in the group’s place.Albanese arrived at the White House on Tuesday (October 24) ahead of a formal state visit yesterday, when he reportedly discussed topics such as Ukraine, China and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.“Nurturing our partnerships and relationships with our allies is critically important, especially in these tumultuous times,” Jill Biden continued.

K.J. Yossman The partners of transatlantic production company Fulwell 73 have released a statement condemning the “devastating terrorist attack against Israel” two weeks ago and expressing concern over how the conflict is being reported by the media.

Longtime Writers Guild member Dan Gordon is resigning over the union’s lack of public support for Israel.

A massive collection of some of Hollywood’s biggest names have commended President Joe Biden for his “unshakable moral conviction” and helping to get home some of the hostages taken by Hamas in their terror attack against Israel.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer A dizzying amount of A-list Hollywood actors, comedians and entertainment executives signed an open letter to President Joe Biden on Monday, calling for the release of all hostages taken by terrorist group Hamas. Amy Schumer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Chris Rock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake and more were among the highly visible figures to sign the note, launching a formal campaign called #NoHostageLeftBehind.

“We should have those hostages released and then we can talk.” said Joe Biden today as two more hostages were let go by Hamas amid further rising tensions and deaths in the Middle East. Speaking at a delayed event on economics, the president’s remark was in response to a reporter’s question if the US supports a “hostages for ceasefire deal?”

Colin Jost and Michael Che were back at the “Weekend Update” desk on Saturday Night Live to take jabs at politics and pop culture.

A whole lot of celebrities have spoken out about Israel and Palestine recently.

A group of 55 celebrities have signed a letter addressed to President Joe Biden asking him to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

J. Kim Murphy A group of 55 prominent artists and advocates in the entertainment industry have signed an open letter to President Joe Biden, urging for a call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. The signatories include names such as Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Jon Stewart, Kristen Stewart, Susan Sarandon, Mahershala Ali, Riz Ahmed, Ramy Youssef and Quinta Brunson.

Caroline Brew editor In a prime-time speech, President Joe Biden addressed the country for the first time since massive violence broke out between Israel and Hamas, explaining why it’s necessary to continue to support America’s partners in Israel and Ukraine. “That’s why tomorrow, I’m going to send to Congress an urgent budget request to fund America’s national security needs to support our critical partners including Israel and Ukraine. It’s a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations.

Joe Biden called for a massive new aid package for Israel and Ukraine, linking the wars in both countries to American security, while denouncing a rise in anti-semitism and Islamophobia in the U.S.

William Earl “It’s great to see everyone here. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances is the truth,” Matti Leshem began, introducing a panel on the state of Antisemitism during Variety’s Hollywood & Antisemitism Summit, presented by The Margaret & Daniel Loeb Foundation and Shine A Light. Leshem, a producer and founder of New Mandate Films, began the conversation by checking in with each panel member and their emotional states following the attack by Hamas on Israel that has killed more than 1,400 civilians.

Updated with White House statement – Just over a week and a half after Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, Joe Biden is heading to the Jewish state.

Quentin Tarantino has been pictured at an Israeli army base.The legendary film director made a surprise visit in a bid to boost morale during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.The official page of Israel War Room, shared the photo on X and wrote: “Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino visits an Israeli base in southern Israel to boost IDF morale.”Tarantino has been living in Tel Aviv with his Israeli wife Daniella Pick, and their two children for the last two years.#BREAKING: Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino visits an Israeli base in southern Israel to boost IDF morale pic.twitter.com/Vso6IgQlWa— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 13, 2023The couple previously tied the knot at a small private ceremony in Los Angeles in 2018.Tarantino first met the model in 2009 while he was on promotional duties for Inglorious Basterds, which starred Brad Pitt and Christopher Waltz.His visit comes after Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Mark Hamill and Jamie Lee Curtis were recently among 700 Hollywood figures who signed an open letter voicing their support for Israel amid the ongoing war.Hamas launched an early morning attack on southern Israel last weekend that has since gone on to trigger an Israel-Hamas war.Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp also recently spoke out against Instagram users for celebrating violence against Israel.Elsewhere U2 frontman Bono paid tribute to more than 260 music fans killed during an Israel festival attack.The attack at the Paralello Universo festival in Re’im, Israel last weekend was carried out by Hamas operatives.The electronic festival reportedly saw rockets hit the site (via CNN) before gunfire opened up on those in attendance soon after at the event.

Ciara is speaking out about the current crisis in Israel and Palestine.

Broadcast and cable networks will supplement their ongoing news coverage of the war in Israel with programming specials this weekend.

Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Mark Hamill and Jamie Lee Curtis are among 700 Hollywood figures who have signed an open letter voicing their support for Israel amid the ongoing Hamas war.Stars including Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, and Mayim Bialik have also added their names to the “first of its kind” letter, condemning the actions of Hamas as acts of terrorism.The letter was released by Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), a non-profit entertainment industry organisation, on Thursday (12 October).The organisation “calls on our friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry to speak out forcefully against Hamas and do whatever is in their power to urge the terrorist organisation to return the innocent hostages to their families,” after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel killing more than 1,200 people.Following retaliatory airstrikes on cities in the Gaza strip, more than 1,500 Palestinians have also been killed in the conflict, with thousands more injured.In its letter, the CCFP also asked its supporters to stop the spread of misinformation “as Israel takes the necessary steps to defend its citizens in the coming days”.In an accompanying statement, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli, said: “My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered.