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By Jamie Body
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Debra Messing is facing fresh criticism for her current trip to Gaza, with images of the Will and Grace star showing support for Israeli soldiers appearing online, with many calling it a "photo op."
Images and videos of the actress have been shared by journalist and author Douglas Murray and writer and actor Lee Kern, as well as Messing herself resharing posts on her Instagram Stories.
Messing's clear stance on the Israel-Hamas war was conveyed in her recently joining thousands in a "March for Israel," which was organized by the Jewish Federations of North America. Her appearance at November's event was met with objection, and her recent support efforts have added to her public judgement.
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The protest was organized to call for the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the militant group's surprise attack on Israel on October 7. The attack left more than 1,200 people dead, the Associated Press reported, and Hamas took 240 people hostage.
Israel subsequently launched its heaviest-ever military response in Gaza. More than 19,400 Palestinians have been killed, according to health authorities in Gaza, per the AP.
Messing is now in Gaza visiting Israeli soldiers on the front line with Kern, who shared an image on December 19 of the pair with the caption: "@therealdebramessing is a bada**. Not only has she been speaking out when others have been silent, she came into a war zone today to see one of the terror tunnels built by Hamas. She is a Queen of our people and she deserves all the love."
Murray also posted an image of himself with Messing on both X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram on the same date, with her seen in a military "Minister Of Foreign Affairs Israel" vest in the photo, and the caption: "On a trip to Gaza with the amazing Debra Messing."
Newsweek has contacted Debra Messing's publicist via email for comment.
The images have been heavily scrutinized by social media users who found it hard to process how there can be blocks for humanitarian aid, yet the actress managed to get there for a "press tour."
Hitting out against Messing's trip, an onlooker on X commented on Murray's image and said: "Humanitarian aid trucks are blocked, but Debra gets a little press tour."
"Weird how we never see these American celebs turn up to schools or malls that have been shot up by domestic terrorists. But so willing to take an all-expenses paid trip to a foreign country for PR," a second said.
These sentiments were echoed in many comments, with one person writing: "OK, so how much of Hollywood is in Israel for the genocide tour right now?"
Another said: "Honestly, this is just gross, 10,500 children murdered by Israel, and it's just a photo op for some people."
Instagram was also a noticeboard for similar messages; on the same photo on that platform, someone said: "Are you press though? Or are you an agent of propaganda? She certainly isn't press. Must be nice to have the flexibility to enter and leave the war zone at your choosing should tell the folks in Gaza what that's like."
Another added: "How NOT to be taken seriously. Oh my gosh Hollywood acting at its finest. This is HILARIOUS!!!"
Among the negative fallout of her trip, supporters of Messing spoke out and hit back at any naysayers.
Sharing some positive remarks on Murray's image, an onlooker said: "These two, @DouglasKMurray & Debra Messing, have been beacons of light and inspiration these past two months. I'm deeply impressed by their dedication, grateful for their values, and encouraged by their decency."
An Instagram user commented: "Thank you @therealdebramessing and @douglaskmurray for all that you're doing!"
One of the videos posted by Kern on Instagram shows Messing approaching an Israeli tank and soldier and giving him a flower, shaking his hand, and thanking him for all he has done.
"Kudos to Debra Messing...#DebraMessing #Israel #Gaza #Hamas," a user on X shared.
Human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky said: "Two incredible friends of Israel! Thank you!"
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