‘Palestine cannot afford our silence’ Bella Hadid breaks silence on Gaza

Bella Hadid, the 27-year-old supermodel of Palestinian descent, has broken her silence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has been escalating for weeks. 

In a heartfelt social media post, Hadid expressed her deep concerns and revealed the distressing situation she’s facing personally.

“Forgive me for my silence. I have to find the ideal words for this deeply intricate and horrific past 2 weeks, weeks that have turned the world’s attention back towards a situation that has been taking innocent lives and affecting families for decades,” Hadid began.

The model went on to disclose the severe threats she has been enduring due to her stance on the conflict. “I’ve been sent hundreds of death threats daily, my phone number has been leaked, and my family has felt to be in danger. But I cannot be silenced any longer. Fear is not an option.”

Hadid’s concern extends to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of not remaining silent. She mourned the lives killed in the conflict and empathized with both all people affected by the violence.

“I believe deep in my heart, that no child, no people anywhere, should be taken away from their family either temporarily or indefinitely. That goes for Israeli and Palestinian people alike,” she affirmed.

Hadid also shared her family’s personal history, highlighting the displacement they endured during the Nakba in 1948. She shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians, including brutal settler invasions and the continued practice of settlements on Palestinian land.

“We must all stand together in defending humanity and compassion – and demanding that our leaders do the same. All religions are peace – it is governments that are corrupt, and intertwining the two makes for the greatest sin of all. We are one, and God has created all equal,” she stated.

Hadid emphasized the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for immediate attention and assistance. She urged leaders to uphold the laws of war and ensure the well-being of innocent Palestinian civilians, who should not be forgotten casualties of this conflict.

“I stand with humanity, knowing that peace and safety belong to us all,” Hadid concluded.