Actor Mark Ruffalo apologizes for saying Israel is 'committing genocide'

Actor Mark Ruffalo apologized Tuesday on Twitter for claiming Israel is "committing 'genocide'" against Palestinians.

"I have reflected & wanted to apologize for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing 'genocide,'" Ruffalo, best known for his role as Bruce Baner/the Hulk in Marvel Comics movies, tweeted Monday. "It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful & is being used to justify antisemitism here & abroad."

Ruffalo's comments came after nearly two weeks of fighting between Israel and Hamas, the militant group Hamas, the supports the Palestinians and controls the Gaza Strip. During the fighting, Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, which in turn, responded with targeted air strikes.

It is unclear what comments Ruffalo made that he was apologizing for. However, he may be referring to a May 11 tweet in which he called for sanctions against Israel, comparing the Jewish nation to South Africa's apartheid.

"Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people - it’s time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians," Ruffalo tweeted.