Gal Gadot calls for end to Gaza war at Jerusalem Film Festival amid criticism

Despite the ongoing conflict in the region and a backdrop of divided public opinion, the Jerusalem Film Festival opened on Thursday night with a high-profile appearance by Israeli actress Gal Gadot.

The 42nd edition of the festival had faced uncertainty due to recent escalations, including a 12-day war with Iran, but organisers chose to move forward.

Gadot, best known for her roles in Wonder Woman and Fast and Furious, received a special award at the event.

In her acceptance speech, she addressed the Gaza conflict directly: "I’m praying for this (Gaza) war to end and for everyone here to finally have calm and security," she said, adding, "That will not be possible until the hostages come home."

The actress has found herself at the center of controversy in recent months.

Pro-Palestinian voices on social media have condemned her support for the Israeli military, which has faced allegations of committing atrocities during its offensive in Gaza. At the same time, some right-wing Israeli outlets have criticised Gadot for her public call to end the war — a position that runs counter to the Israeli government's stated goal of continuing military action until Hamas is dismantled.

Festival director Roni Mahadav-Levin spoke to AFP about the challenges in organising this year’s event. During the Iran-Israel conflict in June, organisers reportedly spent weeks sheltering from bombs while deciding whether to proceed with the festival, amid widespread flight cancellations and uncertain attendance.

Mahadav-Levin acknowledged that international participation had dropped, saying they could not "expect to receive the same number of international guests as in a normal year."

The festival opened with Sentimental Value, a film by Norwegian director Joachim Trier, who was recently honored at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Jerusalem Film Festival will continue through July 26.