Washington: Every other star is rushing to the Middle East these days, be it for a relaxation stint or some other reason. And this time its Hollywood actor Richard Gere's turn to visit on a noble mission.

The actor, who has embraced Buddhism, was spotted at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem. He refused to grant autographs to fans but did consent to shake hands with them.

According to a report in ‘People News’, he crossed into Palestinian territory and has agreed to return in November to do his bit in resolving the decades-old problem.

He met officials on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide. Recently Whitney Houston had a holiday in the desert with the Black Hebrews. Whitney also contented herself with meeting Ariel Sharon and the Israeli Tourism Minister.

ANI