Andrew Garfield voices support for Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel-Hamas war
Courtesy: AFP
Andrew Garfield has expressed his support for Palestinians in Gaza, with the actor, known for his role in "The Amazing Spider-Man," stating during a recent podcast that our "hearts and our energy" should be with those who are suffering amidst the deadly Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East, as well as "anyone suffering, anyone oppressed."
His comments gained traction on social media this week after they were featured in the latest episode of the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, hosted by Josh Horowitz, which aired on Thursday (Oct. 10). Garfield, currently promoting his romantic drama "We Live in Time" alongside Florence Pugh, had an extensive conversation with Horowitz at New York's 92nd Street Y.
@middleeasteye Actor Andrew Garfield calls for ‘putting our hearts and energy’ with Palestinians in Gaza “What could be more important right now?” “Maybe the lives of Palestinians in Gaza right now…” Andrew Garfield, known for playing the lead role in The Amazing Spider-Man, called for people to put their “hearts” and “energy” towards Palestinians in Gaza during a podcast appearance on Thursday with Josh Horowitz in New York.
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Garfield has previously shown support for Palestinians. However, this week, he made his stance even clearer by emphasizing his sympathy for those affected by the conflict in Palestine.
According to AP News, the current conflict in Gaza is the deadliest phase for Palestinians in the history of the Israeli–Palestinian dispute. In August, the United Nations reported that 40,000 Palestinians had died over the past year, according to statistics from Gaza's health ministry.
Despite his Hollywood career, Garfield remains attentive to global issues. During Thursday's podcast interview, Horowitz posed an open-ended question asking if Garfield had any personal needs.
Garfield replied by urging people to focus on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, stating that his personal happiness is more than sufficient.
"You know what, out of everyone in the world, I don't need — I'm so happy," Garfield says. "Like, we should be putting our energy toward something that actually matters, you know? Yeah, maybe the lives of, I don't know, Palestinians in Gaza right now. Maybe that's where we put our hearts and our energy."
The actor continues, "And anyone suffering, anyone oppressed — anyone that is suffering under the weight of the horrors of our world right now. Anyone who doesn't have a choice in, you know, living lives of dignity. Yeah — that's where our energy should be going right now."
Shortly after the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, Garfield, along with several other actors, signed an open letter addressed to President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire in the region. Other actors who signed include Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Stewart, Oscar Isaac, Cate Blanchett, Jeremy Strong, Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Hasan Minhaj, among others.