This is war: Zara Noor Abbas, Hania Aamir, others rally for Palestine amid brutal Israeli reprisal

The situation in Palestine has garnered widespread attention and concern from individuals across the globe, including prominent celebrities. Israeli attacks on Gaza have led to numerous innocent lives being lost and immense suffering for the Palestinian people. Several celebrities have taken to social media to express their deep empathy, advocate for peace, and call for an end to the violence in the region.

Being pro-Palestine isn’t anti-Semitic

Supermodel Gigi Hadid, known for her activism and philanthropy, shared her thoughts and hopes for a peaceful resolution on Instagram. “My thoughts are with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict, too many of which are children. I have deep empathy and heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle and life under occupation, it's a responsibility I hold daily.”

Gigi further stressed that violence and terrorizing innocent people do not align with the goals of the 'Free Palestine' movement. She urged for an end to the cycle of retaliation and advocated for the recognition of basic human rights, irrespective of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. “I also feel a responsibility to my Jewish friends to make it clear, as I have before: While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person. The terrorizing of innocent people is not in alignment with and does not do any good for the 'Free Palestine' movement. The idea that it does has fueled a painful, decades-long cycle of back-and-forth retaliation which no innocent civilian, Palestinian or [Israeli] deserves to be a casualty of, and helps perpetuate the false idea that being pro-Palestine [is] anti-Semitic.”

Gigi concluded her note with condolences, "My thoughts are with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict—too many of which are children."

Denouncing the brutality of war

Pakistani actor Zara Noor Abbas utilized her platform to shed light on the brutality and cruelty of war. She emphasized the dehumanizing effect of propaganda perpetuated by governments and corporations. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she penned, “Killing any innocent in war is brutal and cruel. With the propaganda of governments and corporations, the world is being dehumanized. Ask yourself if you are letting even one innocent party being killed and feeling fine about it. The agenda is working on you. If you feel either party, right or wrong, children or mothers or infants or older people, can die to save the other party or side by it. The problem is war. And the innocents that will die with it.”

Actor Hania Aamir demonstrated her solidarity with the cause by sharing powerful images of herself participating in protests for Palestine held in Pakistan back in 2021. In the pictures, she holds placards that called attention to the grave issues with messages stating, “We can’t breathe since 1948. Sincerely, Palestine” and “Ethnic cleansing, colonial occupation, genocide. Call it what it is!” The page reposting her message urged everyone to use their platforms for Palestine and donate as much as they can.

PR maven Frieha Altaf, too, shared a powerful message addressing the dire situation in Gaza. "There is a special place in hell for those who deprive water to children. 1 million children #gazasiege" the post she shared read.

Actor Saba Qamar tweeted, "Palestine, forever Palestine!" While actor Armeena Khan reminded everyone that "no matter how badly you want to dehumanise people, they are still people." She added on the micro-blogging platform now known as X, "There are no winners in a conflict, only bloodshed, extreme hurt, loss and unimaginable pain. How would you feel if you lost your child, a parent or a loved one? How would YOU feel? Have some shame and do not celebrate ANY death. These politicians need to be held to account for their blood games. Power does not last, neither do empires. History warns us over and over… let sanity prevail."

To better understand ‘settler colonialism’

Actor Ushna Shah, through a shared post, offered a thought-provoking analogy illustrating the plight of the Palestinian people. The post read, “The easiest way to explain their current situation: Imagine someone lost their home so you let them crash at your place until they find a better place to stay; but after a short while they start bringing their friends and family to your house. And more people. And more. Then, they lock you in a room to make space for all the extra people and you're only allowed to come out with their permission. You also have to ask them before you use your own kitchen, bathroom, windows, access food, go anywhere etc. Sometimes they will say yes and allow you to use your own things but most times they will deny you your request. And, if you ask for your home back, they will tell everyone how horrible you are and fight with you."

The voices of these celebrities, along with countless others around the world, reflect a growing concern and empathy for the ongoing situation in Palestine. As the world stands witness to these events, it is imperative to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution and an end to the suffering endured by the people of Palestine.

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