Mark Ruffalo's shout-out for Javier Bardem's powerful speech on Israel-Hamas conflict

Actor Mark Ruffalo praised Javier Bardem for his powerful speech on the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the importance of peace and coexistence.

In Short

• Mark Ruffalo applauded Javier Bardem's speech denouncing Israel-Hamas war
• Bardem advocated for peace during an awards show
• Bardem called for a ceasefire and release of hostages

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo praised actor Javier Bardem for his powerful speech on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict at San Sebastian Film Festival. The Spanish actor denounced the recent Hamas attacks and the “massive punishment that the Palestinian population is enduring.”

In his X post, Mark Ruffalo called Javier Bardem "a beacon of light" for his speech on the war. He wrote, "Thank you Javier Bardem for your decency, your courage, and love for all human beings. You are a beacon of light, amigo (sic)."

Here is the post:

Several X users reposted Bardem's speech and praised him for speaking up about the pressing issue.

The Vicky Cristina Barcelona actor called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages by Hamas, and urged that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders — including some who are now deceased — responsible for the October 7 attacks be brought before the International Criminal Court.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Bardem said why he chose to address the issue, "I believe that we can and must help bring peace. If we take a different approach, then we will get different results,” he said, emphasising the need for a culture of peace and coexistence."

Bardem’s comments were made before Tuesday’s attack by Iran on Israel. He said, "The security and prosperity of Israel and the health and future of a free Palestine will only be possible through a culture of peace, coexistence and respect.”

“Why now? Because to continue to stall negotiations and return to the previous status quo, as they say, or as we are seeing now, embark on a race to further violations of international law would be to perpetuate the war and eventually lead us off a cliff," he further said.

The actor also said, "We’re witnessing crimes against human rights, crimes under international law, such as, for example, the banning of food, water, medicines, electricity, using, as UNICEF says, war against children and the trauma that’s being created for generations. We cannot remain indifferent to that.”

Javier Bardem has always spoken about global issues. In 2014, he signed an open letter advocating for peace during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Earlier, he addressed a United Nations committee regarding refugees in Western Sahara, a cause he also supported by narrating a documentary. Additionally, in 2019, Bardem spoke at the UN about the urgent need to protect the world’s oceans, reflecting his commitment to environmental advocacy.