Controversy Erupts Over Hulk Actor's Comments on Israeli Rescue Mission Casualties

Actor Mark Ruffalo faced backlash for a Sunday post suggesting that an Israeli military operation — which resulted in the rescue of four hostages held by Hamas terrorists since October 7th — was not worth it due to the number of Palestinian civilians who were supposedly killed.

Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, echoed the casualty figures reported by Hamas-controlled Gaza officials and questioned whether rescuing just four hostages justified the loss of civilian lives.

“It’s so good to see the hostages returned,” Ruffalo began, but pivoted immediately. “A ceasefire would have gotten many more hostages back and no civilians and children killed. This siege is cruel and senseless. Grinding innocent human beings and their culture into blood-soaked rubble and dust, to be buried and forgotten. 4 for 274 including kids. It’s a sinful equation that keeps repeating.”

Critics quickly pointed out to Ruffalo that the hostages were not “returned,” they were rescued — and one noted that there was a very simple way to avoid any civilian casualties in the future.

• The three-step plan Hogeg advocated was as follows: “1. Don’t kidnap innocent people. 2. If you do, don’t hide them among civilians. 3. If you did, don’t complain when those innocent people are rescued.”

• Rochelle Wentz followed that up with a fourth step: “And don’t complain when the people hiding hostages in their homes are killed or injured during the extraction process. At the point at which they assist Hamas, they become combatants themselves and any consequences for that allegiance are on them.”

• “Hey, @MarkRuffalo, you know what would have saved all civilians from being killed? If Hamas hadn’t smashed the ceasefire that existed on Oct. 6 with a genocidal orgy of murder, rape, and kidnapping. For every drop of blood shed since then — on both sides — Hamas bears full guilt,” Jeff Jacoby added.

Ruffalo’s comments underscore a troubling trend among some Hollywood elites who seem disconnected from the harsh realities of terrorism and the difficult decisions faced by nations combating it. By criticizing Israel’s actions without acknowledging the context of Hamas’s aggression and hostage-taking, Ruffalo’s stance appears naïve and one-sided.

The operation to rescue the hostages was undoubtedly complex and fraught with danger, but the fundamental responsibility for any civilian casualties lies with Hamas, who use civilians as human shields. Such tactics are a hallmark of terrorist organizations, and the Israeli military's primary goal remains to protect its citizens and rescue those taken captive.

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