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Mark Ruffalo Apologises For Suggesting 'Israel Is Committing Genocide'

Mark Ruffalo Apologises For Suggesting 'Israel Is Committing Genocide'

The Avengers star said it wasn't accurate and that it's 'being used to justify antisemitism'.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Mark Ruffalo has apologised to fans on social media for alleging Israel was committing 'genocide' in its actions against militants in Gaza.

Israel recently spent weeks in a bloody and violent battle with its enemy in the besieged Palestinian territory before signing a ceasefire agreement.

Despite Hamas firing hundreds of rockets towards Israeli citizens, Israel's military responded with a barrage of air and ground strikes that has killed hundreds of Palestinians, left more than 58,000 homeless and has decimated vital services.

In response to the growing death toll and the treatment of Palestinians, Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo offered his thoughts on the crisis on May 11.

The Avengers actor likened Israel's actions to South Africa's apartheid in a tweet earlier this month, writing: "1500 Palestinians face expulsion in #Jerusalem. 200 protesters have been injured. 9 children have been killed.

"Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people - it's time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians."

The 57-year-old, who portrayed The Hulk/Bruce Banner on the big screen, has been vocal about anti-semitism on social media since the outbreak of the violence and called on Palestinian protestors to do so peacefully.

He also retweeted a message from Senator Bernie Sanders asking America to rethink its plan to send billions of dollars worth of aid and weapons to Israel.

However, he copped a severe backlash to the statement and others on social media and has since offered an apology.

He wrote to his fans: "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."

While some people applauded Ruffalo for offering the apology, many slammed him for backflipping on his original beliefs.

One woman wrote: "Well done on throwing Palestinians under the bus and for also framing the onslaught as Israel vs Hamas, when it's been 73 years of this s**t prior to the existence of a group revolting against Israeli blockade, occupation and apartheid."

Another added: "You should tell the families of the 200+ murdered palestinians in gaza that were declared enemy combatants in the latest idf propaganda that their occupiers aren't actually committing ethnic cleansing when they "mowed the lawn" last week

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Celebrity, News, Palestine