Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams speak out on starvation in Gaza
On Tuesday, July 22, both artists shared the same Instagram Story originally posted by children's content creator Ms. Rachel, who has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian relief efforts. The post featured a photo of a visibly malnourished toddler and a caption expressing outrage over the conditions in Gaza, where food and medical supplies remain inaccessible for many.
'I never thought I'd see babies deliberately starved to death while stockpiles of formula sit untouched, miles away,' the message read. 'I never thought people I respected who have always stood up for children would see them, too, and remain SILENT.'
Rodrigo and Abrams also liked the same post on Ms. Rachel's Instagram feed, signaling their support for the message.
The conflict in Gaza intensified following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched military operations that have since caused large-scale devastation in Gaza. According to Reuters, approximately 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the escalation began.
Rodrigo and Abrams are among several artists who have publicly expressed concern over the humanitarian toll. Abrams was among the signatories of the 2023 Artists4Ceasefire letter, which included names such as Drake, Jennifer Lopez, and Dua Lipa. In recent weeks, other artists including Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish have also spoken out, with Eilish condemning what she described as Israel's 'horrifying' plans to relocate Palestinians within Gaza.
Earlier this month, Rodrigo posted a heartfelt message addressing the crisis: 'There are no words to describe the heartbreak I feel witnessing the devastation that is being inflicted upon innocent people in Palestine,' she wrote. 'Mothers, fathers and children in Gaza are starving, dehydrated, and being denied access to basic medical care and humanitarian aid.'
Rodrigo and Abrams' advocacy underscores growing calls among public figures for greater attention to the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian relief.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Egypt hails Kuwait as a cultural and media beacon of the Arab world
CAIRO, July 24: Kuwait has long stood as a beacon of intellectual, cultural, and media leadership in the Gulf region, and its designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025 further solidifies its role in shaping the Arab world's cultural identity. Recognized for its enduring contributions to creativity, literature, journalism, and performing arts, Kuwait has fostered generations of writers, artists, and thinkers. From publishing the first Gulf newspapers to hosting landmark theater festivals and producing groundbreaking television dramas, Kuwait has continuously enriched Arab cultural life. This prestigious selection by Arab cultural bodies highlights Kuwait's sustained efforts in promoting culture, media, and intellectual dialogue, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for cultural exchange and communication. It also reflects Arab appreciation for Kuwait's initiatives in preserving heritage and supporting education and cultural development. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Tarek Saada, member of Egypt's Senate and head of the Egyptian Media Syndicate, emphasized that Kuwait's selection underscores its status as "an intellectual and media platform with broad Arab influence." He praised Kuwait's foundational role in journalism, theater, and television in the Gulf, crediting the country's political leadership for its unwavering support of cultural initiatives. Dr. Saada also highlighted the opportunity this recognition presents to boost Arab cooperation and coordination in addressing shared cultural and political challenges. He pointed to the robust media partnership between Egypt and Kuwait as a model of bilateral cooperation, particularly in advocating for key Arab causes such as the Palestinian issue and regional security. According to Saada, efforts are underway to deepen this partnership. Kuwaiti media organizations have been officially invited to explore new avenues for collaboration, including training, artificial intelligence applications in media, and enhancing journalistic narratives. A draft protocol to formalize these joint initiatives is currently being prepared by the Egyptian Media Syndicate. Echoing this sentiment, Radwa Hashem, spokesperson for Egypt's Ministry of Culture, described Kuwait's selection as a well-earned recognition of its media legacy and longstanding support for Arab causes. "Kuwait has always served as a platform for dialogue and enlightenment," she said, citing its pioneering contributions to print, visual, and audio media. Hashem emphasized the strategic role of media in shaping public awareness and fostering unity, advocating for new pan-Arab platforms and collaborative initiatives. She also expressed hope for launching a joint digital platform to promote Arab culture and safeguard the region's shared heritage. Turning to Kuwaiti-Egyptian cultural ties, Hashem highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations and the promising potential for collaboration in documentary and drama productions, as well as joint cultural weeks. She concluded by stating that Kuwait's selection presents a valuable opportunity to celebrate Arab identity, promote shared cultural values, and invest in modern platforms that preserve and revitalize Arab artistic and intellectual treasures. The announcement marks a significant milestone for Kuwait, affirming its leadership in the cultural and media fields and setting the stage for expanded regional cooperation and innovation in the years to come.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams speak out on starvation in Gaza
LOS ANGELES, July 24: Pop stars Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams have taken to social media to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has left children suffering from widespread hunger and a severe lack of basic necessities. On Tuesday, July 22, both artists shared the same Instagram Story originally posted by children's content creator Ms. Rachel, who has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian relief efforts. The post featured a photo of a visibly malnourished toddler and a caption expressing outrage over the conditions in Gaza, where food and medical supplies remain inaccessible for many. 'I never thought I'd see babies deliberately starved to death while stockpiles of formula sit untouched, miles away,' the message read. 'I never thought people I respected who have always stood up for children would see them, too, and remain SILENT.' Rodrigo and Abrams also liked the same post on Ms. Rachel's Instagram feed, signaling their support for the message. The conflict in Gaza intensified following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched military operations that have since caused large-scale devastation in Gaza. According to Reuters, approximately 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the escalation began. Rodrigo and Abrams are among several artists who have publicly expressed concern over the humanitarian toll. Abrams was among the signatories of the 2023 Artists4Ceasefire letter, which included names such as Drake, Jennifer Lopez, and Dua Lipa. In recent weeks, other artists including Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish have also spoken out, with Eilish condemning what she described as Israel's 'horrifying' plans to relocate Palestinians within Gaza. Earlier this month, Rodrigo posted a heartfelt message addressing the crisis: 'There are no words to describe the heartbreak I feel witnessing the devastation that is being inflicted upon innocent people in Palestine,' she wrote. 'Mothers, fathers and children in Gaza are starving, dehydrated, and being denied access to basic medical care and humanitarian aid.' Rodrigo and Abrams' advocacy underscores growing calls among public figures for greater attention to the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian relief.
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Kuwait Times
UK police drop Kneecap probe after Glastonbury performance
Irish rap band Kneecap perform at the West Holts stage on the fourth day of the Glastonbury festival at Worthy Farm in the village of Pilton in Somerset, south-west England, on June 28, 2025.--AFP UK police said on Friday they had dropped a criminal investigation into on-stage comments by Irish rappers Kneecap at the Glastonbury festival. Avon and Somerset Police in southwest England said last month it had launched an enquiry after reviewing 'video footage and audio' of both Kneecap and London-based duo Bob Vylan, whose frontman led a chant against the Israeli army at the festival. The Kneecap probe was focused on remarks made about a forthcoming court case in which one band member Liam O'Hanna, known by his stage name Mo Chara, is charged with a 'terror' offence over alleged support for banned organisations Hamas and Hezbollah. But in an update the force said it would take no further action against Kneecap, whose members had been informed of the decision. 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence,' it said. Inquiries into the separate allegations against Bob Vylan, however, would continue, it added. Chara appeared in court in June accused of having displayed a Hezbollah flag while saying 'Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah' at a London concert last year. Hezbollah and Hamas are banned in the UK, where it is an offence to express support for them. Kneecap deny the terrorism charge and say the video featuring the Hezbollah flag has been taken out of context. — AFP
