A post won't change the world: Selena Gomez on ‘social media break’ as horror unfolds in Gaza
In a world marred by violence, Selena Gomez took to her Instagram Stories to express her concerns about the ongoing situation in Palestine and Israel while announcing her social media break. The talented actor-singer, made a heartfelt plea for the protection of all innocent lives as she went on to explain her silence on social media.
Citing her heartbreak at witnessing the "horror, hate, violence, and terror" occurring around the world, Gomez expressed her deep concern for people suffering on all sides. “I’ve been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence, and terror that’s going on the world,” the 31-year-old wrote on her Instagram Stories. “People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific.”
The Texas native said that she was concerned for everyone involved. “We need to protect all people, especially children and stop the violence for good,” she added. “I'm sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag. I just can't stand by innocent people getting hurt. That's what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world. But a post won't. Love, Selena.”
The artist also shared a personal perspective on the matter, revealing that having a younger sister, Gracie Elliott Teefey, 10, has amplified her sensitivity. Sharing a photo of Teefey, she wrote, “Having a sister, every day has made me tragically sick. I would do anything for children and innocent lives.”
Many, however, have criticised Gomez for implying those rallying on social media don’t make a difference. “Only White Lives Matter even for a Mexican origin Selena Gomez. Selena made empathetic call during Ukraine war but despite having 430 million followers felt her voice won’t make any difference during,” a user wrote on X.
“She’s this cute little kindness advocating angel but here she is making a whole genocide about herself. I know a narcissist when I see one,” slammed another. “What does “I’d do anything” mean to her? What did she do for these children so far?” asked a user.
Celebs pledging support to Israel
Gomez's stance comes at a time when Hollywood has been divided in its reactions. While some celebrities have been cautious about publicly commenting on the matter, others have openly expressed their views. Among the celebrities who have publicly pledged support for Israel include Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Brady, Amy Schumer, Michael Rapaport and Israel native Gal Gadot.
Gomez's ex Justin Bieber faced a backlash earlier this month after getting his facts wrong when he posted and deleted a message that read 'Praying for Israel,' with a background of war-torn Gaza. He subsequently replaced the inaccurate image with a generic background and the same message.
Previously, Jennifer Anniston shared resources to support those suffering in both Israel and Palestine. “My heart is with the families mourning the loss of their loved ones," she said.
Celebs speaking up for Palestine
As of Monday, the Health Ministry in Gaza listed the Palestinian death toll as 8,306, with more than 110 Palestinian people killed amid fighting in the West Bank, the AP reported.
On Saturday, Oscar-winning actor Angelina Jolie issued a statement saying she hoped to see a ceasefire in the area. Sharing a carousel post on her official Instagram account, the Academy Award winner wrote, “Like millions around the world, I have spent the last weeks sick and angry at the terrorist attack in Israel, the death of so many innocent civilians, and wondering how best to help. What happened in Israel is an act of terror. But that cannot justify the innocent lives lost in bombing a civilian population in Gaza that has nowhere to go, no access to food or water, no possibility of evacuation, and not even the basic human right to cross a border to seek refuge.”
The Lara Croft actor invoked her extensive work in humanitarian relief as the former Special Envoy to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, stating, “Gaza has a population of over two million people (half of them children), who have lived under a severe blockade for nearly two decades, on top of decades of displacement and statelessness. The few aid trucks that are entering are a fraction of what is needed (and was delivered daily before the present conflict), and the bombings are causing desperate new humanitarian needs daily.”
The actor insisted, “The denial of aid, fuel, and water is collectively punishing a people. Humanity demands an immediate ceasefire. Palestinian and Israeli lives - and the lives of all people globally - matter equally. Anything that can prevent civilian casualties and save lives must be done.”
Supermodel Bella Hadid, who has Palestinian heritage, acknowledging that her family had been threatened due to their involvement, wrote, “This is the most intense bombardment in the history of Gaza. US White House National Security Council dangerously says Israel 'owes no-one any justification' and that it will have 'no red lines’. Innocent lives should always be justified in the name of humanity.”
The letter was written in a joint initiative with Oxfam America to represent a collective of artists encompassing musicians, actors, and other creatives who stand against Israel’s unrelenting military assault on Palestinians. Among the notable figures endorsing the letter are Dua Lipa, Andrew Garfield, Macklemore, Diplo, Caroline Polachek, and Ben Affleck, unambiguously declaring that “all life is sacred” and “the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians” is condemnable regardless of “faith or ethnicity”.
Hadid reminded her followers about Israel’s complete telecommunications and electricity blackout in Gaza and the critical implications of the move. “Injured civilians currently can’t call ambulances. Medics are begging reporters to let them know where bombardments are happening, but reporters don’t know either because of the internet outage,” she stated. The model ended her short note, emphasising the urgent need for intervention.
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