Actor Sam Heughan has admitting he's "trying to educate" himself on the Israel-Hamas conflict after signing an open letter by thousands of "creatives" condemning Israel.
Those who have signed the open letter demanded “our governments end their military and political support for Israel’s actions” and called for an “end to the unprecedented cruelty being inflicted on Gaza”.
However, it failed to mention the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, or even address the terrorist group .
Taking to social media after lending his name in support of the document, Outlander star Heughan has claimed the open letter "does not reflect" his beliefs.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram, Heughan penned: "I inadvertently signed something that does not reflect my beliefs. I believed it was a simple call for PEACE... it wasn't.
Sam Heughan was one of thousands of "creatives" to sign the open letter
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"I condemn violence in any form. I stand against terrorism and evil and am heartbroken and appalled by the recent horrific actions by Hamas.
"It's haunting to the core, my heart goes out to all affected.
"I don't know nearly enough and trying to educate myself on the conflicts in the Middle East. I feel helpless and wish I could help in some way.
"I pray for compassion, for all the innocent people affected. PEACE and love, to you all. X," Heughan signed off.
Heughan's statement garnered a divisive reaction from several in his fanbase, including one who pointed out: "If you say you don't feel educated enough, then don't speak. You've just fallen for misinformation and propaganda. Hamas has to be condemned but the Israeli gvt too."
While a second praised: "I am immensely relieved that Sam retracted his name from this petition. When mistakes are this volatile, we all must know the facts before signing documents that are disturbing to many people. I was reporting what I read, and hoping for this heartfelt retraction."
The likes of Coogan, Frankie Boyle and the other celebrities who signed the document have sparked fury from many for the omission of any mention of Hamas in the letter.
Expressing the outrage felt by many, David Mencer, an expert on the Middle East and former director of Labour Friends of Israel, joined Patrick Christys on his show yesterday where he unleashed his take on the situation.
"This letter is so misguided and misplaced, I simply say to this group of misfits and weirdos, that I invite them to rescue their alien careers and try their chances as artists in Gaza under the Hamas regime," Mencer fumed.
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— Sam Heughan (@SamHeughan) October 19, 2023
He continued: "You know, if they do that, I promise to sign a letter when they are locked up by Hamas. They'd be lucky if they're locked up because they'd be most likely, judging from Hamas record, have their throats cut."
Christys suggested that the celebrities who signed the letter “don't understand the problem” or had an “undertone of antisemitism” to which Mencer bluntly replied: “These are special kinds of Jew haters.
"We can't anymore just forgive people for being ignorant.”
The death toll in Israel and Gaza has continued to rise ever since Hamas launched its first attack almost two weeks ago.
According to Al Jazeera, over 4,000 people have died in Gaza while the Israeli death toll has surpassed 1,4000.
News broke on Friday afternoon that over 200 of the hostages held by Hamas are still alive, according to Israel Defence Forces.