American actor Mark Ruffalo has launched a harsh critique against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that the recent removal of the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor cannot obscure the atrocities occurring in Gaza. Writing on the social media platform X on Sunday, Ruffalo labeled the Israeli leader a “murderous maniac.”
Ruffalo contended that efforts to lobby for the removal of Karim Khan—who had previously issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024—do not mean that “the war crimes disappear or your guilt is assuaged.” The actor emphasized that Netanyahu “will not lobby history” and will be remembered for his actions, adding, “You will not outrun justice.”
These comments followed Netanyahu’s public welcome of the ICC’s decision to dismiss Khan. On Friday, ICC member states voted to remove the chief prosecutor amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which Khan has denied. Earlier, Khan had issued warrants for both Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the ongoing military offensive. Since October 2023, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 73,000 deaths and the widespread destruction of the enclave.
Ruffalo, recognized as a prominent Hollywood advocate for Palestinian rights, has frequently characterized the situation in Gaza as genocide and ethnic cleansing. This assessment has also been echoed by various United Nations agencies and international rights organizations.
