Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo apologizes for accusing Israel of genocide

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo apologized Tuesday for accusing Israel of "genocide" during the recent 11-day conflict with terrorist groups based in the Gaza Strip. 

"I have reflected & wanted to apologize for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing 'genocide.' It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful & is being used to justify antisemitism here & abroad. Now is the time to avoid hyperbole," the "Hulk" star wrote to his 7.5 million followers on Twitter.

Critics of Israel in progressive circles in Washington and Hollywood have been accused of contributing to an atmosphere of antisemitic incitement against Jewish communities during hostilities between Israel and Hamas with Jews being attacked by Palestinian supporters in Los Angeles, New York, and other cities.

Ruffalo's apology appears to be in reaction to the wave of antisemitic violence that has swept across the United States and Europe.

The film star has long been a harsh critic of Israel, accusing the Jewish state of "apartheid" and calling for Israel to be sanctioned for its alleged mistreatment of Palestinians. 

During the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, Ruffalo parroted the Hamas line that the terrorist organization does not fire rockets from civilian areas, which is a war crime under international law.

Ruffalo tweeted about Hamas: "Do you honestly think these people, these fellow human beings, would use their own children as shields? Use your heart."

During the conflagration, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists launched more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli civilians with the Israeli military responding by striking 1,500 targets in the coastal enclave.