The musician, fashion and beauty mogul, Rihanna, has been met with backlash on social media after she posted a message of solidarity concerning the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.
Rihanna Under Fire For A Neutral Instagram Post
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to yield bloodshed, it's not uncommon for celebrities to share their thoughts on peace and solidarity, with the intentions of spreading, at least, awareness to end such calamities.
Rihanna, 33, came under fire after posting her concerns on the unrest that has seen approximately sixty-seven killed in Gaza, a stark contrast compared to the seven reported in Israel, since Monday.
What Did Rihanna Say?
Innocently taking to Instagram to post a lengthy statement regarding the conflict, for which the United Nations predicts a "full-scale war" if continued, Rihanna posted:
"My heart is breaking with violence I'm seeing displayed between Israel and Palestine! I can't bare to see it!"
She continued: "Innocent Israeli and Palestinian children are hiding in bomb shelters, over 40 lives lost in Gaza alone, at least 13 of whom were also innocent children!"
She added: "There needs to be some kind of resolve! We are sadly watching innocent people fall victim to notions perpetuated by Government and extremists, and this cycle needs to be broken!"
What Did The Critics Say?
Critics, with many seemingly being fans, weren't happy with the "Diamonds" singer's neutral stance on the matter and wanted her to be more decisive on what side she stands with.
"god she disappoints me so much...I love rihanna with all my being but wtf is this???? when we said use your platform this isnt what we meant...we meant post a donation link and make it clear who you stand with," a Twitter user posted.
Another Twitter user questioned how the business woman went from "#freepalestine in 2014 to this in 2021", when referencing a now deleted tweet posted on July 15th of that year.
Meanwhile on Instagram
In the comments section where the initial post was shared, one user said: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. free palestine".
Whilst another chimmed in with: "It's obvious celebrities/bloggers aren't speaking too much about this because they know what's right but don't want to hurt any Israeli fans since they think they'll ruin their career. The Palestinian people are suffering."
Gal Gadot Gets Dragged On Social Media Too!
The "Wonder Woman" actress, Gal Gadot, 36, who is of an Israeli heritage, bit off more than she could chew after posting her views on the "vicious cycle that has been going on for too long."
In response to her post, for which she said: "My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long."
And adding: "This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation. Our neighbours deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days."
A user thought it best to say: "Perhaps Israelites ought to stop stealing Palestinian territory, or even better, give the land back? Perhaps then there would be peace".
Share Your Views With Us
What happened to #FreePalestine now remains the question on many minds, but what are your views?
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