Noah Schnapp Claims His 'Thoughts' On Israel-Hamas War Were 'Misconstrued' Amid Backlash

Noah Schnapp addressed online criticism regarding his stance on the Israel-Hamas war in a video, noting that his beliefs were "misconstrued."

The actor expressed a desire for peace and safety for all affected by the conflict.

Schnapp revealed he had open discussions with friends of Palestinian background and shared a common hope for the safe return of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Schnapp has been faced with severe backlash since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, with things escalating when the actor posted a video that featured people holding stickers that read, "Zionism is sexy."

In a TikTok video posted Monday night, the "Stranger Things" star said he "just wanted to come on here super briefly to discuss everything that's been going on online."

Schnapped said, "I feel like my thoughts and beliefs have been so far misconstrued from anything even close to what I believe, and I wanted to just state from my heart how I feel. I only want peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict."

He continued, "I've had many open discussions with friends from [a] Palestinian background, and I think those are very important conversations to have, and I've learned a lot."

Schnapp stressed that he hopes for the safe return of those held in Gaza, adding: "One of the takeaways I've had is that we all hope for the same things, that being those innocent people still being held hostage in Gaza to be returned to their families, and equally hope for an end to the loss of innocent life in Palestine — so many of those people being women and children, and it's horrible to see."

"The Tutor" actor noted that "anyone with any ounce of humanity would hope for an end to the hostility on both sides," emphasizing that he stands against the "killing of any innocent people" and that he hopes "to one day see those two groups be able to live harmoniously together in that region."

He concluded: "And I hope for 2024 online to see people be a little more understanding and compassionate and recognize that we're all human, regardless of our race, of our ethnicity, of our background, of our country of birth, even our sexuality, of anything. We are all human, and we're all the same, and we should all love each other for that and support each other and stand together. And stand together for humanity and for peace."

Schnapp first faced criticism amid claims that he liked a video mocking Palestinian victims and a clip with "Zionism is sexy" stickers.

As a result, fans called for boycotting "Stranger Things" Season 5, currently in production, and demanded Schnapp's removal from his role as Will Byers.

Following his apology TikTok video on January 16, netizens swarmed the comment section, expressing varied sentiments. While some continued to call for a boycott of "Stranger Things," others questioned the timing of Schnapp's statement. The actor's comments section has since been entirely turned off.

However, videos emerged, with commenters criticizing Schnapp. One person noted, "He's in damage limitation mode! Write to Stranger Things producers! He should be [canceled]."

A second person said: "The boy literally thought it was a good idea to post Zionism is sexy and is now crying as it's affecting him financially…sounds about right."

"He's made it clear that he doesn't believe any Palestinian (adult or child) is human or innocent. He is deplorable. Cancel him and Stranger Things. Zero ethics," a third added.

Following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, Schnapp, in a now-deleted Instagram post, wrote, "As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas."

The actor continued, "I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women, and soldiers fighting to defend themselves. I, like others, want peace for both Palestinians and Israelis."

Schnapp called for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, adding: "Let's stop the rhetoric and choosing sides. Instead, we must recognize that we are all on the side of the fight against terrorism. Choose humanity over violence."