- Angelina Jolie, a UNHCR special envoy, vocalizes strong criticism against Israel’s actions in Gaza, highlighting the human toll and characterizing Gaza as an “open-air prison”.
- This article highlights the increasing frustration of individuals, including artists and celebrities, with the ongoing devastating siege and bombardment of Gaza and their calls for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Angelina Jolie
Renowned Hollywood actress and dedicated humanitarian, Angelina Jolie, an enduring special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has articulated robust censure against Israel for its military operations in Gaza. Her remarks, notable for emphasising the human suffering and characterising Gaza as “an open-air prison for nearly two decades,” reflect a mounting sentiment of exasperation among individuals, including artists and prominent figures, concerning the persistent and harrowing blockade and aerial assault on Gaza.
In an Instagram post, Jolie condemned Israel’s actions as “the deliberate bombing of a trapped population” in the densely populated Palestinian enclave, concerned it was “becoming a mass grave.” She levied accusations against international leaders, implicating them in these transgressions through their silence, and called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. This pronouncement comes in the wake of the substantial military onslaught by the Israeli armed forces on the Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in a considerable toll on human lives and the displacement of nearly 1,000 Palestinians.
Huda Beauty
Entrepreneur Huda Kattan, known for founding the renowned cosmetics brand, Huda Beauty, is a highly influential figure based in the UAE. With millions of followers on social media, Kattan has expressed her staunch support for Palestine.
Following this expression, an Instagram user recently commented under one of Kattan’s post, I don’t know if you noticed, but Israelis from all over the world love you and your products. With most of their money, you chose Gaza. So remember this as soon as no Israeli buys from you again, anywhere in the world. And it’s a shame because we buy a lot.”
Kattan replied,
“I dont want your blood money!”
In the midst of the escalating maligning of Palestinian supporters, Kattan remains unperturbed.
Kattan has been a consistently outspoken voice against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. In response to the escalations of events in Al-Aqsa compound in May 2021, Huda Beauty published a blog entry titled, “5 Ways You Can Support Palestine Right Now.”
‘Artists for Ceasefire’ Letter
Nearly 250 celebrities, including Ben Affleck, Gigi Hadid, Jessica Chastain, and Drake, as part of Artists4Ceasefire, signed a letter addressed to President Biden calling for a cease-fire in the Israel’s carpet bombing of Gaza, emphasising that the majority of those being bombed are children.
Amid these testing times, when prominent personalities align with truth and justice, their courage is deserving of commendation, even in the face of potential loss of followers. This stands in stark contrast to certain influential individuals, including those from the Muslim community, who have opted for silence, seemingly prioritising financial gain and fan support over principled values.
