Many of Hollywood’s loudest “Free Palestine” voices are now facing scrutiny for their muted or critical reaction to the Middle East ceasefire agreement brokered by President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas.
The deal, announced on October 8, marked the first phase of a peace plan nearly two years after Hamas’ deadly terrorist attacks against Israel sparked war in Gaza.
Under the agreement, Hamas committed to releasing the 20 remaining hostages it held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Israel freeing roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including about 250 convicted terrorists.
Speaking before Israel’s Knesset, Trump hailed the development as a “historic day.”
But while Hollywood activists spent months demanding a ceasefire, many of the same celebrities have since gone quiet or openly criticized the breakthrough.
Few are now willing to acknowledge Trump’s role in ending the bloodshed.
Rapaport Calls Out ‘Performance’ Activism
Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport blasted the silence, accusing progressive stars of “performance” activism.
“CEASEFIRE is NOW, where are these people?” Rapaport wrote in an October 11 Facebook post, naming Mark Ruffalo, John Cusack, Hannah Einbinder, Javier Bardem, and Lorde.
“The war in Gaza is ending.
“The so-called ‘genocide’ is over.
“Because it was never about peace.
“It was about performance.”
Columnist Paula Froelich made a similar point, noting that celebrities who wore pins or made statements for “ceasefire now” at the 2024 Oscars were suddenly quiet.
“If I were less charitable, I might argue that Hollywood celebrities care more about a performative farce — scolding Israel and our president — than seeing a Free Palestine actually happen in real time. How’s that for hypocrisy?” she wrote in The Times.
Mixed Reactions from Hollywood
Some stars have spoken up, but not favorably.
John Cusack, who has previously been flagged by anti-Semitism watchdogs, dismissed the ceasefire as a “photo op” for Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“To anyone who believes for a moment Netanyahu will stop killing — there’s a bridge in Brooklyn up for sale,” Cusack posted October 14.
“He’ll give Trump his photo op — and then resume.”
Javier Bardem, who wore a keffiyeh to the 2025 Emmy Awards, said the ceasefire was “very good news” but complained it was “by no means a fair plan for the rights and future of the Palestinian people.”
“Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder, who shouted “F— ICE and free Palestine” during her Emmy acceptance speech earlier this year, reposted claims that there was “no guarantee this genocide will stop” and criticized the peace terms.
Even those cautiously supportive still framed Israel as the aggressor.
Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon shared a statement from Artists4Ceasefire calling the deal “an urgent and heartening moment of relief” but claiming Israel had engaged in “bombing and intentional starvation of Palestinian civilians.”
Meanwhile, activist group Film Workers for Palestine pledged to continue boycotting Israeli film institutions, declaring the ceasefire did not end what it called “occupation, apartheid, and genocide.”
Praise for Trump’s Role
Not all in Hollywood dismissed the agreement.
Israeli-American actress Natalie Portman called it a “momentous day” at a French film festival, saying:
“It feels almost crazy to be talking about anything else except celebrating — hopefully — peace.”
British actress Frances Barber openly admitted she was wrong about Trump, posting on X:
“I had TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome], and I’m now eating my words.”
Her comment came as images circulated online of “Thank You Trump” messages written in the sand on Tel Aviv beaches.
The sharp contrast between Hollywood’s loud demands for a ceasefire and its tepid reaction when Trump delivered one underscores the political selectivity of celebrity activism.
For many progressive stars, it appears opposing Trump remains a higher priority than acknowledging progress toward peace.
READ MORE – Celebrities Attack Trump, Promote Hamas at Emmys, Remain Silent on Charlie Kirk’s Murder
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