Israeli Model Bar Refaeli Criticizes Penelope Cruz Over Social Media Posts on Hostage Release
TEL AVIV – Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli publicly criticized actress penelope Cruz this week following Cruz’s Instagram posts depicting the release of both Israeli hostages adn Palestinian prisoners as part of the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. Refaeli accused Cruz of inappropriately equating the two groups, sparking a debate over the framing of the hostage crisis and the release of Palestinian detainees.
The controversy stems from Cruz sharing videos showing the emotional reunion of Israeli hostage Matan Tzangauker with his mother, alongside footage of freed Palestinian prisoners. Refaeli responded with a direct message to Cruz, questioning the actress’s intent and the message conveyed by presenting the two releases in tandem. The exchange highlights the deep sensitivities surrounding the conflict and the differing perspectives on the terms of the truce.
“Penelope Cruz, I’m sure you had good intentions but when you compare the release of 20 Israeli hostages who were brutally kidnapped from their homes while sleeping or from a party while dancing (and over a thousand of their friends and family were killed) with the release of two thousand convicted terrorists what are you trying to say?” Refaeli wrote in a message shared online. “What is the message? I can understand the happiness that this war that we never wanted is over. But is this what you choose to tell the world? Instead of talking about peace, do you highlight the murderers? I don’t understand.”
The release of hostages and detainees was a central component of the agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the united States, which temporarily halted fighting between Israel and Hamas. The deal saw the release of 20 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for the release of approximately 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Many of those released were convicted of security offenses, including terrorism.
The differing reactions to the releases underscore the complex and emotionally charged nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as efforts toward a lasting peace continue.
