Bella Hadid has spoken publicly for the first time about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, saying that “there is an urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza that must be addressed.”
The 27-year-old star posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Thursday, calling for pressure on political leaders to “stand together to defend humanity and compassion.”
The A-list model, who has been outspoken about her views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the past, spoke about the sensitive topic more than two weeks after her sister Gigi spoke publicly about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“I have not yet found the ideal words for these deeply complicated and terrible last two weeks, weeks that have refocused the world’s attention on a situation that has cost innocent lives and impacted families for decades,” she said. “I have a lot to say, but for today I’ll keep it short.”
Bella, whose father is Palestinian real estate entrepreneur Mohamed Hadid, continued: “I was sent hundreds of death threats every day, my phone number was leaked and my family felt in danger.”
The latest: Bella Hadid, 27, has spoken publicly for the first time about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, saying that “there is an urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza that must be addressed.” Pictured in Las Vegas in March
The model posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Thursday, calling for pressure on political leaders to “stand together to defend humanity and compassion.”
“But I cannot be silenced any longer.” Fear is not an option. The people and children of Palestine, especially in Gaza, cannot afford our silence. “We’re not brave – they are.”
The supermodel said: “Given the consequences of the airstrikes in Gaza, I grieve with all the mothers who have lost children and with the children who cry alone, with all the lost fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, friends who “It will never exist.” Walk on this earth again.
“Regardless of the country’s history, I condemn terrorist attacks on civilians wherever they are. Harming women and children and perpetrating terror is not, nor should it be, a good thing for the Free Palestine movement.
Bella addressed the suffering of “Israeli families struggling with the pain and consequences of the October 7 Hamas attack” and said she “mourns” for them.
“I believe in my heart that no child, no person anywhere should be separated from their family, temporarily or indefinitely,” she said. “This applies to Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Bella said: “It is important to understand how difficult it is to be Palestinian in a world that sees us as nothing more than terrorists who oppose peace,” calling the characterization “harmful,” “shameful.” and “categorically untrue.”
In her statement, Bella addressed her family’s “generational trauma” stemming from the long-standing conflict in the Middle East.
“My heart bleeds with pain because of the trauma that is unfolding before me, as well as the intergenerational trauma of my Palestinian blood,” she said.
Bella was pictured at a pro-Palestine rally in New York City in May 2021
The supermodel was open about the issue
Bella continued: “My father was born in Nazareth in the year of the Nakba (the expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians in 1948).”
“Nine days after his birth, in his mother’s arms, he and his family were expelled from their native Palestine and became refugees, away from a place they once called home. “My grandparents were never allowed to return.”
Bella said her family had “witnessed 75 years of violence against the Palestinian people – most notably brutal settler incursions that led to the destruction of entire communities, cold-blooded murders and the forcible removal of families from their homes.”
The supermodel, who has worked for labels including Balmain, Givenchy, Chanel and Victoria’s Secret, added that “the practice of settlements and Palestinian land continues to this day” and “the pain of it is unimaginable.”
Bella said in her post: “We must all stand together to defend humanity and compassion – and demand that our leaders do the same.” “All religions mean peace – it is the governments that are corrupt and interconnected.”
She continued: “The two are the greatest of all sins.” We are one and God created all equal. All bloodshed, all tears and all corpses should be mourned with equal respect.”
Bella said that “there is an urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza that needs to be addressed” as “families need access to water and food” and “hospitals need fuel to power generators, care for the wounded and keep people alive.” To keep life.”
“Wars have laws – and they must be obeyed, no matter what.”
Bella stressed to her 60.4 million followers that “wherever we are, people must put pressure on our leaders not to forget the urgent needs of the people of Gaza and to ensure that innocent Palestinian civilians are not the forgotten victims of this.” war.”‘
She concluded: “I stand with humanity and know that peace and security belong to all of us.”
Bella said last year that she had lost friendships and professional opportunities because of her stated beliefs about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.