Natalie Portman, the Israeli-American actress known for her roles in films like Star Wars and Black Swan, made headlines by publicly endorsing the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas during her appearance at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, France. The event, which celebrated her Hollywood career, provided a platform for her to voice her support for the recent developments in the Middle East conflict. Speaking to the audience, Portman described the end of the two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages as a “momentous day,” acknowledging the significance of the prisoner exchange that began with Hamas releasing the final 20 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
This agreement, brokered by former President Donald Trump, has been hailed as a critical step toward resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. The deal, which entered into effect this week, is part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at achieving a lasting resolution and facilitating the rebuilding of Gaza. The prisoner exchange, however, has not been without its complexities. While the swap has seen the release of some hostages, only four of the 28 presumed-dead hostages have been recovered, underscoring the ongoing challenges and unresolved aspects of the conflict.
Portman, who was born in Jerusalem and raised in Israel, expressed a deeply personal connection to the events in the region. Her comments during the festival reflected both her emotional investment in the situation and her hope for a peaceful resolution. She emphasized the importance of moving forward with a commitment to peace, stating, “It feels almost crazy to be talking about anything else except celebrating — hopefully — peace.” This sentiment aligns with her previous public statements of solidarity with Israel following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, where she expressed sorrow for the loss of innocent lives and called for unity in the face of violence.
Her remarks also highlighted her broader advocacy for positivity and hope amidst global challenges. Portman recently premiered her new animated film, Arco, which she produced alongside Sophie Mas. The film, she explained, is designed to inspire optimism and resilience. This creative endeavor reflects her desire to contribute to a more hopeful narrative, especially in light of the ongoing conflict. Her commitment to spreading positivity through her artistic work underscores her role as both a public figure and an advocate for peace and understanding.
As the peace deal enters its implementation phase, the international community remains closely watching its outcomes. While the agreement represents a significant milestone, its long-term success will depend on sustained efforts from all parties involved. Portman’s public support for the deal adds another dimension to the global discourse on the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the role of individuals in shaping and influencing international discussions on peace and security.