For the past two years, Hollywood has been a hotbed of activism, with celebrities and industry insiders loudly demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The chorus of voices—on red carpets, social media, and even during televised award shows—seemed unrelenting. Yet, when the long-sought ceasefire was finally achieved on Monday, October 13, 2025, with the return of the 20 remaining Israeli hostages and thousands of Palestinians to their homes, the reaction from Hollywood was, well, almost inaudible.
According to NewsNation, the ceasefire, brokered by President Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several Arab states, marked a significant turning point in the long and bloody conflict that began after Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 civilians on October 7, 2023. The deal not only ended active hostilities but also resulted in what many analysts described as a devastating loss for Hamas—militarily, politically, and in terms of public relations. The group, which had not held democratic elections since 2006, now faced an uncertain future, with its standing in the region severely diminished.
Yet, as the dust settled and images of hostages being reunited with their families aired across the world, Hollywood’s response was mostly silence. There were, of course, a few exceptions. Actors like James Woods and John Ondrasik, known for their outspoken views, made statements applauding the ceasefire. But the overwhelming majority of the industry—those who had been most vocal in their calls for a ceasefire—chose not to celebrate the moment they had so publicly championed.
Why the silence? According to Breitbart, some suggest that Hollywood’s reticence is tied to the identity of the deal’s architect. "President Trump secured the ceasefire, and Hollywood will never celebrate any Trump accomplishment," the article argues. But it goes further, suggesting that for some in Hollywood, the real goal was not peace, but rather a humiliating defeat for Israel. This perspective, controversial as it is, points to the complex web of politics, ideology, and personal beliefs that shape public statements in the entertainment industry.
NewsNation’s Paula Froelich provided a detailed rundown of the reaction—or lack thereof—among top celebrities. Megan Stalter, who had recently sported a “Ceasefire Now” sign at the Emmys, has remained silent on her social media since the agreement. Rachel Zegler, the Snow White actress known for her pro-Palestinian statements, has not commented on the ceasefire either, despite her previous activism. Dua Lipa, who once called Israel’s military operations “Israeli genocide,” has only posted personal photos since the truce was announced. Billie Eilish, who wore a red hand pin in solidarity with Artists4Ceasefire at the Oscars, has not acknowledged the hostages’ release. The Weeknd, who donated millions to Gaza relief, shifted his focus to baseball, with no mention of the peace deal.
Even those who did post about the ceasefire often did so in a way that doubled down on their previous criticisms. Bella Hadid, for instance, used her platform to mourn the death of Gazan journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi, attributing his death to Israel despite reports that he was killed during clashes between Hamas and local militias. Greta Thunberg echoed this narrative, posting that "even after the ceasefire the genocide still takes lives." Yet, as NewsNation notes, evidence suggests al-Jafarawi was killed by Palestinians, not Israelis.
Hannah Einbinder, another vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, posted several Instagram stories on October 13, 2025, focusing on the occupation of Gaza and criticizing Trump and Jared Kushner, who played a role in brokering the ceasefire. She also honored al-Jafarawi, stating he "survived two years of genocide only to be murdered during ceasefire." Javier Bardem, who used the Emmys red carpet to denounce the "genocide in Gaza," posted videos of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released. While he acknowledged the ceasefire as "good news," he simultaneously criticized it as "by no means a fair plan for the rights and future of the Palestinian people."
Susan Sarandon, another progressive voice, posted on October 10, 2025, supporting the ceasefire and highlighting the suffering of Palestinians. Her Artists4Ceasefire post read: "The first phase of the ceasefire agreement starting today in Gaza offers an urgent and heartening moment of relief. It brings hope that precious lives can be saved, that Israel’s bombing and intentional starvation of Palestinian civilians will end." The statement also referenced "the killing of over 67,000 Palestinians, a man-made famine and the catastrophic destruction of Palestinian homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship and decades of occupation."
Despite these statements, the overall tone among Hollywood’s activist community was one of frustration, skepticism, or outright silence. As Breitbart observed, major Hollywood news outlets seemed to treat October 13, 2025, as a normal news day, with coverage focused on box office numbers, celebrity gossip, and the passing of Oscar legend Diane Keaton, rather than the historic developments in the Middle East.
One group, Artists4Ceasefire—a coalition that includes Jennifer Lopez, Pedro Pascal, and Aimee Lou Wood—updated its plea for peace on October 3, 2025, as it became clear that Trump was brokering the deal. The group stated, "While our letter was originally addressed to President Biden, our call remains loud and clear … For the sake of our shared humanity, we are dedicated to ensuring a permanent and lasting ceasefire takes hold, as this is the first step toward survival, healing and rebuilding. The administration has changed, but our demand to centre humanity remains." Yet, even after the ceasefire and the release of hostages, the group has not publicly celebrated the outcome or acknowledged Trump’s role.
Some critics argue that this silence and selective outrage reflect a deeper hypocrisy within Hollywood’s activist circles. As NewsNation’s Froelich puts it, "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." The implication is that for some, the activism is more about signaling virtue than achieving practical results.
The debate over Hollywood’s reaction to the Gaza ceasefire is emblematic of the broader polarization in American society, where political affiliation often determines not just one’s views, but the willingness to celebrate even long-sought victories if they come from the "wrong" side. As the Middle East faces a potential new era of peace, the entertainment industry’s response—or lack thereof—raises questions about the true motivations behind its activism, and whether public figures are willing to put aside politics to recognize progress when it happens.
For now, the silence from Hollywood speaks volumes, leaving observers to wonder what, if anything, will break it. Will a thriving, peaceful Gaza prompt a change of heart? Or will the industry continue to look away, even as the world changes before its eyes?
