Penélope Cruz Clarifies Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Open Letter, Chrissy Teigen and Gal Gadot Also Weigh In

Hollywood has come forward to voice their opinions on the crisis

By Lily Harrison Jul 31, 2014 7:11 PMTags
Penelope CruzStuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Penélope Cruz has come forward to clarify an earlier open letter she penned with husband Javier Bardem condemning Israel for their attacks on the Gaza Strip.

"I don't want to be misunderstood on this important subject. I'm not an expert on the situation and I'm aware of the complexity of it," the actress explained in a statement.

"My only wish and intention in signing that group letter is the hope that there will be peace in both Israel and Gaza. I am hopeful all parties can agree to a cease fire and there are no more innocent victims on either side of the border. I wish for unity, and peace... I believe in a civilization that can be capable of bringing the courage to have a world where humans can live side by side."

Several other stars have made their feelings known about the Middle Eastern crisis.

Meanwhile, the star of the upcoming Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot, posted a message on her Facebook honoring her home country of Israel.

"I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens," she wrote. "Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children...We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom!"

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The ever-outspoken Chrissy Teigen also weighed in, this time in an interaction on Twitter with her hubby John Legend.

"I believe the Palestinian and Israeli people all deserve peace, freedom, justice and genuine human rights," the crooner posted.

"I don't claim to know the path to peace though. Surely, more of the same is a disaster."

Teigen replied, "There are many, curious one. I believe the jack in the box drive thru is one."

To which Legend playfully wrote, "Mmmmmm sourdough and bacon will cure the worlds ills."

UPDATE: Bardem also added to his previous letter by releasing the following statement:

"This week, along with a number of artists in my home country of Spain, I spoke out about the conflict in Gaza urging all governments to intervene in this escalating crisis. My signature was solely meant as a plea for peace. Destruction and hatred only generate more hatred and destruction. 

"While I was critical of the Israeli military response, I have great respect for the people of Israel and deep compassion for their losses. I am now being labeled by some as anti-Semitic, as is my wife - which is the antithesis of who we are as human beings. We detest anti-Semitism as much as we detest the horrible and painful consequences of war.

"I was raised to be against any act of violence, and the consequent suffering of humanity for it, regardless of religions, ethnicities and borders. Too many innocent Palestinian mothers have lost their children to this conflict. Too many innocent Israeli mothers share the same grief. There should not be any political reason that can justify such enormous pain on both sides. It's my hope that leaders involved in this complicated struggle will heed the call of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, "In the name of humanity, the violence must stop.

"Palestinians and Israelis in the region deserve to have their safety and human rights recognized and respected so in the near future they may find peace and co-existence, for themselves and their innocent children. So generations to come could bring hope, forgiveness and compassion for each other. This is the most basic and necessary way to peace for all of us."