Celebrities Show Solidarity with Palestinians Amid Ongoing Conflict

Celebrities have joined people in speaking out amid an escalated of violence against Palestinians in Israel and a barrage of air and rocket strikes in Gaza and Tel Aviv. 

Israeli police have repeatedly attacked worshippers at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam, firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades, injuring hundreds of Palestinians. The crisis has killed 145 as of this writing. 

The bloody crackdown follows protests against the unreasonable eviction of six Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. 

The violence has sparked several more condemnation and protests around the world, including A-list celebrities. Some of them have expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people, and called to stop the violence. 

One of the most significant contributions to date came from Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo, who shared a petition calling for international leaders to impose sanctions on key Israeli industries until “Palestinians are granted full and unequal civil rights.” The petition has garnered nearly 2.6 million signatures. 

“Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people – it’s time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians. Join the call,” wrote Ruffalo. 

Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis posted 10 images explaining the context of the political evictions, inviting her followers to talk about what’s going on in Sheikh Jarrah. 

Lena Headey, the actress who played Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, shared an image titled “Save Sheikh Jarrah. Zionist Israeli Apartheid,” along with several videos and graphics from the recent events. 

Rage Against the Machine also expressed their support, saying “The violence and atrocities we are witnessing in Sheikh Jarrah, the Al Aqsa compound and Gaza are a continuation of decades of Israel’s brutal apartheid and violent occupation of Palestine. We stand with the Palestinian people as they resist this colonial terror in all its forms. #FreePalestine.” 

Former One Direction member Zayn Malik said, “”I stand with the Palestinian people and support their resistance to colonization and protection of their human rights. My heart aches for the families who have lost loved ones. We can not stand as silent witnesses to children being orphaned and murdered and not demand for the human rights of all Palestinians! This must end. Free Palestine.”

Palestinian-American models Bella and Gigi Hadid have been among the most vocal high-profile celebrities to speak out regarding the issue. Bella has posted on her Instagram feed and story every day over the past week, sharing photos, videos, tweets, and infographics. 

“One cannot advocate for racial equality, LGBT and women’s rights, condemn corrupt and abusive regimes and other injustices yet choose to ignore the Palestinian oppression,” both sisters posted. 

As of this writing, the Israel-Palestine conflict is still ongoing, with the former stepping up its attacks. 

Follow Hyprgame on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates!