Israeli actress Gal Gadot urged 'to spare a thought' for Gaza mothers as she announces birth of fourth child

Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot has announced the birth of her fourth child, a daughter, in an Instagram post, but her account immediately received hundreds of comments reminding her of the plight of Gaza's pregnant women and criticising her for previous support for Israel's actions.

Gadot shared the news on her Instagram account Wednesday, posting a photo of herself and her husband, Jaron Varsano, with the newborn. The baby girl's name is Ori. She joins Gadot and Varsano's three other daughters, Alma, Maya, and Daniella.

But the post by the actress, who served in the Israeli army before becoming a household name for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Comics film franchise, almost immediately triggered a war of words between commentators as the war in Gaza polarises opinions worldwide.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot)

"My sweet girl, welcome. The pregnancy was not easy and we made it through. You have brought so much light into our lives, living up to your name, Ori, which means ‘my light’ in Hebrew. Our hearts are full of gratitude. Welcome to the house of girls", Gadot wrote on her social media page.

• "Congratulations mama and wish Palestinian mama can feel the same way you are feeling and have hope for their babies", wrote one commentator, while others wrote:

• "Let's take a moment to think about all the women in Palestine who are forced to take pills to stop their period and pregnancy due to the suffering by Israel."

• "Great you got a kid now think about Palestine kids".

• "I honestly cannot believe some of the nasty comments in this post!! There is enough nastiness and hatred in this world as it is, why can’t people be nice and be happy for others".

During Israel's war in Gaza, pregnant women and new mothers in Gaza have been living in unbearable conditions for them and their babies, many of them dying or suffering miscarriages as a result of direct Israeli fire or policies that have stopped essential supplies and foodstuffs from entering Gaza.

Does Gal Gadot support Israel's war in Gaza?
In November, Gadot sponsored a screening of an Israeli propaganda film promoting its narrative for the genocidal war on Gaza.

Following Hamas' attack on southern Israel on October 7, 38-year-oldGadot came out in full support for Israel. She denounced the world for being "silent" about the plight of Israeli women allegedly raped on October 7, but has been silent about the suffering of Gaza's women under Israeli bombardment. Up to 70 percent of the estimated 30,000 Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza since October are women and children.

In the Arab world, Gadot is a controversial figure due to her history with the Israeli army and perceived endorsement of the actions of Israel or the lack of substantial criticism thereof.

During another Gaza war in August 2014, the Israeli actress caused a stir after posting a picture of herself praying for Israeli forces as Israel led a military offensive against Gaza. Israel killed 1462 Palestinian civilians in that brief war, a fraction of the death toll in Gaza today.

"I am sending my love and prayers 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!" Gadot wrote at the time.