Gaza charities 'incredibly grateful' for Macklemore's support

US rapper's 'Free Palestine' tour concludes with all proceeds going to 12 organisations supporting Palestinians

Gaza charities have expressed their gratitude to Macklemore for using his platform to support Palestinians, as the rapper prepares to conclude his sold-out Free Palestine Tour in London.

The Seattle-born artist launched the three-show European tour after being dropped as a supporting act on Ed Sheeran's US stadium tour in September, following comments he made about Gaza.

Macklemore, 43, has spoken out in support of Palestinians during performances, calling for a "Free Palestine" and describing the situation in Gaza as a "genocide".

All proceeds from the three sold-out concerts will go to 12 organisations and charities supporting Palestinians, including those providing humanitarian aid, medical care, education and community support.

Shabby Amini, director of fundraising and marketing at Medical Aid for Palestinians, said the organisation was "incredibly grateful" for Macklemore's support.

"We are incredibly grateful to Macklemore for his generous support and for using his platform to keep the experiences of Palestinians in the spotlight, especially at a time when many are choosing to stay silent," Amini said.

"Macklemore's support is a powerful reminder that Palestinians must not be forgotten when the headlines move on."

A spokesperson for Anera, an aid organisation supporting displaced Palestinians, also praised the rapper's efforts to bring people together through music.

"Music has always had the power to bring people together, inspire action and unite us in the pursuit of something greater," the spokesperson said.

"Seeing thousands of people come together through song and love in solidarity with the people of Gaza moves us deeply."

Macklemore's Free Palestine Tour began in Dublin on October 26, followed by a show in Paris on October 29. The final concert is scheduled to take place at London's OVO Arena Wembley on Friday evening.

The organisations set to benefit from the tour include Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, Heal Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children's Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children's Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.

The rapper announced the tour 10 days after being removed from Sheeran's The Loop tour.

Macklemore has said that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, contacted Sheeran and said the rapper would not be allowed to perform at the venue if he remained on the bill.

Sheeran later said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by his promoter, after venues indicated they would not host the shows with the rapper as a supporting act.

Several other artists subsequently withdrew from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 2012 single "Thrift Shop" (featuring Wanz) became the first self-released song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in 11 years. Their second single, "Can't Hold Us" (featuring Ray Dalton), also peaked on chart, making Macklemore and Lewis the first duo in the chart's history to have their first two singles both reach the peak position. Their debut studio album The Heist (2012) peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The duo entered into a slightly unusual three-month, one-album contract with Warner Bros.'s independent distribution arm ADA, which allowed them to retain control over their intellectual property and maintain their "artistic integrity". At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, the duo won Best New Artist, Best Rap Album (The Heist), Best Rap Song ("Same Love") and Best Rap Performance ("Thrift Shop"). The duo's second album, This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016), followed thereafter.

In June 2017, Macklemore released the single "Glorious" (featuring Skylar Grey), which marked his return to the music industry as well as his first major single produced without Lewis since his mainstream breakthrough. Macklemore released his second solo studio album, Gemini, in September of that year, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard 200.

The Free Palestine Tour has brought together musicians and supporters to raise funds and maintain attention on the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.