Natalie Portman calls Israel-Gaza peace deal ‘momentous’ at film festival

Israeli-American actress Natalie Portman expressed enthusiasm on Monday about the prospect of peace between Israel and Gaza.

At the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, France, Portman remarked that it was a “memorable day” as the two-year war between Israel and Hamas appeared to be coming to an end and the remaining hostages were being released from Gaza.

“To see today the end of the war and the release and exchange of prisoners and hostages is truly a momentous day,” the “Star Wars” actress said.

ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASEFIRE TAKES EFFECT, IDF BEGINS WITHDRAWAL TO GAZA

Israeli-American actress Natalie Portman celebrated the peace agreement between Israel and Gaza during a speech at a film festival on Monday. (Dominique Charriau/Getty)

Former President Donald Trump recently brokered a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, which took effect this week.

The prisoner swap began Monday, with Hamas releasing the last 20 living hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, according to the Associated Press and Reuters. The exchange is part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict and rebuilding Gaza. So far, only four of the 28 hostages presumed dead have been found.

Portman attended the festival as a guest of honor, with the Lumière Film Festival recognizing her career in Hollywood. During a question-and-answer session and screening of her 2010 film “Black Swan,” festival director Thierry Frémaux asked her where she was from, prompting her to think about events in Israel.

BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES SHOW DEVASTATING DESTRUCTION IN GAZA

President Donald Trump speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport before departing for Sharm el-Sheikh, October 13, 2025, in Tel Aviv, Israel. ((Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images))

“Well, I’m from Jerusalem, I was born in Jerusalem,” Portman said. “So today is a very, very emotional day.”

After calling it a “memorable day”, the actress added: “It’s almost crazy to talk about anything other than celebrating – hopefully – peace.”

Portman previously expressed sadness for Israel following the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, writing that her “heart was broken for the people of Israel.”

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Natalie Portman (pictured in 2018) stars in the new adaptation of “Lady in the Lake,” currently filming in Baltimore. (Filippo Monteforte)

“Children, women and the elderly were murdered and taken from their homes,” Portman wrote. “I am horrified by these barbaric acts and my heart is racing with love and prayer for the families of all those affected.”

Portman also introduced the new animated film “Arco,” which she produced with Sophie Mas, highlighting her desire to bring “positivity” into the world through the film.

“I really feel the need to put some positivity into the world right now,” Portman said. “We produced ‘Arco,’ and it’s an incredibly positive and timely film. And the last two films I produced and starred in were comedies – ‘The Galerist’ and ‘Good Sex’ coming out next year – so I’m definitely leaning towards the light right now.”

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