At least 1,900 Palestinians have been killed in the blockaded enclave of Gaza in a brutal air campaign of reprisal attacks by Israel as infantry forces from the IDF made their first raids into the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a campaign of retaliation had 'only just begun'. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas after its fighters burst out of Gaza a week ago and carried out operation in southern Israel.
Since then, Israel has placed the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. As heart-wrenching reports and videos continue to emerge from Palestine, several celebrities and public figures from around the world, including Pakistan, have taken a strong stance to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people and condemn the atrocities inflicted upon them.
Renowned boxer Amir Khan expressed his unwavering support for Palestine, drawing upon his personal experiences and dedication to making a positive change. “My entire career, my aim was to become a champion and use my fame and influence to make a positive change in the world. I’ve never been scared to speak my mind and stand up for the down trodden. Recently, when Ukraine was attacked by Russia, I personally flew to Poland to support the Ukrainian refugees who had been displaced by the effects of war. So many people spoke up about these atrocities but as the world watches what is unfolding in Palestine, I see so many of my peers, friends and colleagues who are remaining silent. Why? It’s become apparent that people are scared to show their support for Palestine. Palestinian lives matter. The world will remember who spoke up and who didn’t. And God will remember who stayed silent while innocent Muslims blood was spilled.”
My entire career, my aim was to become a champion and use my fame and influence to make a positive change in the world. I’ve never been scared to speak my mind and stand up for the down trodden.
Recently when Ukraine was attacked by Russia, I personally flew to Poland to support…
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) October 12, 2023
Singer Hasan Raheem utilized his platform to shed light on the dehumanization faced by Palestinians. “Palestinians are asked to guarantee the well-being and welfare of their oppressors (Israel) as they are killed, imprisoned and brutally repressed daily is a testament to their utter dehumanization.” In another tweet, Hasan wrote, "If you don't have humanity, your religion makes no difference."
Palestinians are asked to guarantee the well-being and welfare of their oppressors (Israel) as they are killed, imprisoned and brutally repressed daily is a testament to their utter dehumanization. #FreePalaestine
— hasan raheem (@hasanraheeem) October 12, 2023
Agar ap main insaaniyat nai hai to apkay deen o dharam say kuch khaas farq nahi parhney wala
— hasan raheem (@hasanraheeem) October 13, 2023
Actor Ushna Shah boldly declared her position in support of Palestine, challenging the notion of placing personal gains over standing for what is right. “What if I never get to audition for that Hollywood special everyone thinks they have a shot at? What if I never again get a commercial for a multi-national or become the face of the big beauty-brand? When my descendants look back at this, years from now, they’ll find me on the right side of history.”
So what if I never get to audition for that Hollywood special everyone thinks they have a shot at, so what if I never again get a commercial for a multi national or become the face of the big beauty-brand. When my descendants look back at this years from now, they’ll find me on…
— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) October 13, 2023
Actor Osman Khalid Butt shared powerful images and messages on his social media, showcasing solidarity with the global movement for Palestine. He also condemned the use of prohibited weapons and criticized the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, urging nations to act against war crimes.
A backbone. https://t.co/z4auGdXAPF pic.twitter.com/3lDTdkjDSh
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) October 13, 2023
The use of phosphorous weapons in civilian areas is a war crime.
Instead of urgently highlighting the atrocities committed by Israel, countries are banning pro-Palestinian protests.
How deep are those Zionist pockets? https://t.co/40rYoi3odP
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) October 13, 2023
Actor Armeena Khan actively participated in a peaceful protest in Canada, highlighting the importance of human rights and unity among diverse communities.
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A post shared by Armeena Khan (@armeenakhanofficial)
She also shared a gut-wrenching post about babies being killed in Palestine: "I don’t think I can cry anymore. If I’m tormented by just imagery, I can’t even imagine what the actual parents are going through. I have been sent video after video of little babies, dying, dead, mutilated and charred. There is NEVER any justification for murdering little babies. Period. As I hold my baby close, my heart is breaking for all those who’ve lost theirs. I am now signing out as I am mentally exhausted. I have never seen such disgraceful, cruel behaviour from people who claim to be against violence online. Have some shame you probably have children yourselves! Imagine if this happened to them. Just imagine for a second. NO EXCUSE TO KILL BABiES especially not over land."
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A post shared by Armeena Khan (@armeenakhanofficial)
The actions and statements of these celebrities reflect a growing global movement calling for justice and an end to the suffering in Palestine. Their words and actions serve as a reminder that in times of adversity, raising one's voice for the oppressed is a duty that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. The world is watching, and history will indeed remember those who chose to stand for what is right.
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Read the full story at the express tribune website.
