Mark Ruffalo apologizes for posts suggesting 'Israel is committing genocide'
- Mark Ruffalo apologized for tweets that suggested Israel has committed genocide.
- The actor posted the apology on Twitter late Monday.
- He said it was "the time to avoid hyperbole."
Mark Ruffalo issued an apology on Monday for posts he made during the recent period of violence between Israel and Palestinian groups that suggested Israel had committed genocide.
In a tweet sent late on Monday, Ruffalo wrote: "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."
Although he didn't specify which posts he was referring to in particular, Ruffalo has written dozens about Israel-Palestine over the last few weeks to his 7.5 million Twitter followers.
In one tweet, he shared a link to an online petition and called for sanctions against Israel.
"Over 30 children killed. Mothers dead. Hundreds injured," the May 15 tweet read. "We are on the brink of a full-scale war. Sanctions on South Africa helped free its Black people - it's time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians. Join the call. #GazaUnderAttack."
The 54-year-old actor, who was raised by a Roman Catholic Italian family, has also made several statements about the region in the past, which have often been critical of the Israeli government. During an interview last year with NBC, Ruffalo accused the Israeli government of using "asymmetric warfare" against Palestinians and described the conflict as a "kind of apartheid."
Ruffalo, who has portrayed the Incredible Hulk in several Marvel films, is one of many celebrities who used social media to comment on the increased violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Gigi Hadid and Gal Gadot have also used their social media accounts to comment on the violence.
At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, were killed during the 11-day period of conflict, which calmed down late last week after a ceasefire took effect. Twelve Israelis were also killed.
In the weeks since the violence started, there has been a surge in hate crimes against Jewish people in several US cities and across Europe.
The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitic incidents, has said in the week after the fighting in Israel and Palestinian territories began, they received 193 reports of incidents, an increase from the 131 reports they received the week prior.
Mosques across the nation have also reported anti-Muslim vandalism this past month, NBC reports.