The most profound celebrity takes on Palestine in 2023

Many spoke up about Israeli brutalities in the region

The tail end of 2023 witnessed an onslaught of increased barbarity by Israel on Palestine. With the death toll now nearing 21,000, the increased attacks after October 7 have sparked widespread discussions, drawing attention from celebrities across various nations like Pakistan, India, and the United States.

These varying viewpoints on the issue have offered diverse perspectives, facilitating the ignition of conversations about a lasting ceasefire. Here are some of the most constructive takes by celebrities in 2023:


Yet another star who has remained resolute when speaking up for Palestine, Armeena stated to The Express Tribune, "I am seeing some people becoming depressed and losing hope. The images coming out are horrific. Take regular breaks from social media and guard your mental health. Secondly, don’t be a bystander. Get involved in the justice movement by joining a group or offering up your skills, from writing to social media, you are needed. So do what you can, where you can, with what you have. I have been involved with Palestine since high school. The movement is stronger than ever. The Palestinians I speak to are resolute and if they are not giving up, who are we to?"


"This is the genocide of Palestinian people," the star penned on social media. "This is the killing of innocent human beings - men, women and children (majority children). History will remember those who had the power to make a difference and didn’t, those who could bring an end to this and remained quiet...They will always have blood on their hands. Praying every moment with a broken heart."


Riz Ahmed

The former boxer has made numerous powerful statements. In one such move, he stated, "Separate the colonizer from the colonized, point to the imbalance. Politicize these deaths - every death is inherently political, do not misrepresent anyone's corpse with your fear or desire for brand alignment. Those of you who use Arab and Muslim vernacular for decoration and aesthetics, to inform some identity or career, your silence is shameful." Without mincing words, he added, "Your silence is terrorism."

Angelina Jolie

Angelina joined calls for an immediate ceasefire amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis. Sharing a carousel post on her official Instagram account, the Academy Award winner stated, “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 actor also 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.”

Bella Hadid

Seeking forgiveness for her silence, the supermodel said, “The people and children of Palestine, especially in Gaza, cannot afford our silence. We are not brave - they are. My heart is bleeding with pain from the trauma I am seeing unfold, as well as the generational trauma of my Palestinian blood."

She furthered, “It's important to understand the hardship of what it is to be Palestinian, in a world that sees us as nothing more than terrorists resisting peace. It is harmful, it is shameful, and it's categorically untrue.” Advocating for compassion, Bella insisted, “All religions are peace - it is governments that are corrupt, and intertwining the two makes for the greatest sin of all” and implored everyone to “pressure” leaders to address the aggravating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Gauahar Khan

The Bigg Boss famed actor shared her two cents on the matter. Speaking in favour of Palestine, she shared, “Since when did the oppressor become the oppressed? Convenient eyesight of the world! Blind to years and years of history of oppression.”

Mia Khalifa

Former adult star, Mia Khalifa shared her thoughts without mincing words. “If you can look at the situation in Palestine and not be on the side of Palestinians, then you are on the wrong side of apartheid and history will show that in time,” she penned on X.

Susan Sarandon

Ace actor Susan Sarandon also lent her voice to the Palestinian cause. Quoting a post on X that shared an image of the star from a march for Palestine, Sarandon said, "You don’t have to be Palestinian to care about what’s happening in Gaza. I stand with Palestine. No one is free until everyone is free."

Macklemore

Arab News reported on U.S. rapper Macklemore's attendance at a pro-Palestine rally in Washington, D.C. where he said, "They told me to be quiet. They told me to do my research, to go back, that it’s too complex to say something, right? To be silent in this moment. In the last three weeks, I’ve gone back and I’ve done some research...I’m teachable. I don’t know enough. But I know enough that this is a genocide.”

Huda Kattan

The founder of the renowned makeup empire Huda Beauty made it clear that her support lies with the countless Palestinians suffering under Israel’s occupying regime. "Why do they want me to be silent?" she questioned, clarifying that she is not anti-Semitic. Asking Palestine supporters to “trust the process”, Huda maintained, “You're trying to intimidate me. Let me tell you, you're coming to the wrong person. I will not be intimidated. Let me tell you right now, I've done nothing wrong. I'm speaking on behalf of humanity. I will not be intimidated," she stated.

Usman Khawaja

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of double standards for denying his request to display an image of peace on his bat in solidarity with Gaza. The ICC cited its Code of Conduct, preventing messages related to political, religious, or racial causes without prior approval. Khawaja and supporters highlighted previous instances where similar displays were permitted.

Despite Khawaja's intent to convey messages supporting Palestinian freedom, the ICC disallowed this, sparking criticism for inconsistency. "All lives are equal," he shared on X. "Freedom is a human right. I'm raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That's on you."

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