Hollywood A-lister and human rights activist Angelina Jolie, has talked about the hypocrisy in the world when it comes to human rights application.
“The world is suffering from ambivalence on the issue of human rights,” she remarked in a recent interview.
Jolie lamented the duplicity and discrimination of the world regarding human rights, saying that the scale of human rights is different for everyone, the fact is that the world works on business interests. Her comments come on the heels of her unequivocal demand for a ceasefire of Israeli attacks on Gaza.
“Human rights can be for some people and some people can never be. Accountability for some people’s crime and not at all for some people, this is the ugly face of the world.” The actress said that she does not know of any country in the world which is free from these things.
“Some people think that the colonial system has ended but the fact is that the control and exploitation of developing countries is still going on,” the actress observed.
In her statement about Gaza, the Hollywood actress said that what happened in Israel cannot be a justification for bombing the civilian population of Gaza, pointing out that a few trucks cannot meet the aid needs of the besieged population, more than 20,000 of whom have been killed by Israel while the rest are at risk of starvation and disease.
Angelina Jolie added that Gaza has a total population of two million, half of whom are children, who have been living under siege for two decades.
Time magazine announced yesterday that the coveted title of ‘Person Of The Year’ 2023, went to singer Taylor Swift. The decision was met with severe backlash from the internet, who called it out as another example of how the Western media has silenced journalists in Gaza, who were risking their lives to reveal the realities of the genocide.
A Twitter user is going viral for drawing a comparison between Ukraine-Russia war and Israel’s aggression.
times person of the year when russia invaded ukraine vs when israel is committing literal genocide against palestinians pic.twitter.com/rvhzkUUXxu
Twitter users were outraged at Gazan journalists like Motaz Azaiza, Plestia, Bisan and Saleh being ignored, stressing that censorship lays bare that Gazan lives are considered disposable by the western media.
72 Journalists and their families have been killed by israel since october 7th, they are among the 20,000+ palestinians slaughtered. We can honor ukraine in 2022 but god forbid you honor the brown people risking their lives to show whats happening in Gaza. Screw this. https://t.co/uwg7mPzzSP
Today I choose to honor the real people of the year: the Journalists in Palestine. Their constant strength and courage in the midst of a genocide is something so admirable. They lose family and friends but never stop showing us what’s actually happening in Gaza. #freepalestinepic.twitter.com/jBCCdnNnWI
Many Twitter users are also criticising Taylor Swift to be a white feminist, after a quote from her article with Time went viral where she spoke about the intersection of capitalism and patriarchy.
“What has existed since the dawn of time? A patriarchal society. What fuels a patriarchal society? Money, flow of revenue, the economy. So actually, if we’re going to look at this in the most cynical way possible, feminine ideas becoming lucrative means that more female art will get made. It’s extremely heartening.”
She’s basically saying that her being rich is because of feminism and her “female art” (whatever that means) is justified in making money because it’s feminist. Guys look she’s such a feminist for using feminism to profit more money even if she’s a billionaire. White feminist https://t.co/SzaDsgZ7oG
— সব নিপীড়িত মানুষের মুক্তি Ujala/নিশিথিনী (@shimmeringolds) December 6, 2023
i’m so glad she did this interview. She’s the final (girl)boss liberal white woman, and I am saying this neutrally. stuck in a vacuum, staid politics, pussy ear hats, daughter of a witch they couldn’t burn https://t.co/kogXstlqjN
— Bolu Babalola is technically on leave & (@BeeBabs) December 6, 2023
Nobel Prize winner and activist Malala Yousafzai was a guest on GEO’s ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’ where she spoke at length about why she stressed on the need to address the gender apartheid in Afghanistan, adding that a ceasefire in Gaza should be demanded by everyone.
Speaking to host Shahzeb Khanzada, Malala said she has consistently called for a ceasefire since the last month because targeting innocent people cannot be justified.
“There is no explanation for attacking innocent people. So many children have been killed and families have become homeless because of the attack,” stressed the girls education activist. “I’m worried that there isn’t a lot of pressure right now to stop the war.”
Malala urged audiences to pressurise their leaders to call for the UN to insert global pressure on Israel to stop the genocide.
On Tuesday, Malala was the target of outrage when during a 15 minute speech at the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, she did not call out Israel for being an apartheid state because of the ongoing Gaza genocide which has now claimed more than 20,000 lives.
Malala also spoke on the show about the Nelson Mandela event where she was the key note speaker, discussing the gender apartheid in Afghanistan, where women and girls face oppression from the Taliban.
“When I got the opportunity to speak at the Nelson Mandela event, it was important for me to speak about the gender apartheid we’re witnessing today in Afghanistan against women and girls. We can call this situation an apartheid because women and girls are being oppressed and are being deprived of their basic human rights. The state, which is responsible for protecting these women, is the one who is oppressing them.”
Malala said her lecture addressed the world and the United Nations to urgently address this matter, and to reform the definition of apartheid to include gender in it, so the conversation keeps going forward. She said she will continue to push world leaders to reflect on how women in Afghanistan cannot study, go outside their homes or even visit a doctor without permission from a man.
Malala also addressed the ongoing Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan, calling it a “cruel decision” to send young Afghan girls back to a country where they would never be allowed to study again.
“This is a difficult time for many Afghan families who are being forcefully sent back to Afghanistan. Several of them escaped in 2021 because of the threat of the Taliban’s rise, and among them are several feminist activists whose lives are under threat if they went back. Some of these families had stayed in Afghanistan for 20 to 30 years, and have girls who were studying in schools…I am extremely worried for these girls because she will never be able to see a school if she is sent back to Afghanistan.”
Malala slammed the government decision as against our “human rights, culture and religion’. She pointed out that in Islam, Muslims are urged to take care of others. The activist urged Pakistani authorities to revoke the decision and give support to Afghan refugees, to prevent little girls from going back to a country which would rob them of their rights.
A hip hop song ‘Charbu Darbu’, trending on Israel’s Youtube and Spotify charts, is advocating to kill Palestinians in Gaza, and saying supermodel Bella Hadid, singer Dua Lipa and adult film star Mia Khalifa, all vocal supporters of Palestine, should be killed.
Written and performed by Ness Van Stilla, the title means ‘swords and strikes’ in Syrian Arabic, referencing to raining hell down on the Hamas.
The song refers to Hamas as the Binlical Amalek, promising to obliterate them. The chorus calls for the IDF’s combat units to destroy all of Gaza.
The song ends with a list of names whom the singers promise to obliterate as they are enemies of Israel including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and Mia Khaifa.
“Every c*nt’s last day will come/ Bella Hadid, Dupa Lipa, Mia Khalifa!”
Journalist Ahmed Eldin shared a clip of an article by The Times Of Israel on his Twitter account.
The #1 song in Israel calls for genocide against Palestinian and specifically for the IOF to kill Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Mia Khalifa. pic.twitter.com/jq8vM8WIHK
British acting giant Olivia Colman and ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Derry Girls’ star Nicola Coughlan are among the 1000 artists who have signed a petition slamming Western institutions for aiding and abetting the “repressing, silencing and stigmatising of Palestinian voices and perspectives.” The letter includes signatures from ‘Sex Education’ star Aimee Lou Wood and multiple Emmy-award winner Harriet Walter.
“This includes targeting and threatening the livelihoods of artists and arts workers who express solidarity with Palestinians, as well as cancelling performances, screenings, talks, exhibitions and book launches.”
The letter shed light on the ongoing genocide of Gaza, where the death toll has crossed 15,000 civilian lives, with members of the Israeli government now openly calling for ethnic cleansing, and using starvation as a war weapon.
“The wholesale destruction of civilian infrastructure, the bombing of hospitals, schools, churches and mosques, the killing of 14,500 people in a matter of weeks, amount to a policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people. The United Nations and hundreds of legal scholars have called on the international community to prevent genocide.”
The letter then proceeded to criticise the ongoing censorship and repression of voices, including Susan Sarandon, who was dropped by her agency, and actor Melissa Barrera, who was fired from the ‘Scream’ series for her vocal pro-Palestine posts.
“As artists and cultural workers,” the petition points out, “we stand in solidarity with those facing threats and intimidation in the workplace. The arts sector must urgently align its actions with its stated values of justice and inclusivity, and to refuse the dehumanisation of Palestinian people.”
The petition states that for artists to stay silent in the face of mass injustice and humanitarian crisis “would be an abrogation of moral duty”. It also pointed out that more artists are refusing to work with those institutions that are complicit in this heinous act.
The petition also shared four demands from the signatories which were:
– Publicly demand a permanent ceasefire. – Promote and amplify the voices of Palestinian artists, writers, and thinkers. – Stand up for artists and workers who voice their support for Palestinian rights. – Refuse collaborations with institutions or bodies that are complicit in severe human rights violations.
On November 25, Gigi Hadid shared a post using the example of Palestinian child Ahmed Mansara to point out how Israel beats and rape’s children and uses them as captives of war. She criticised Israel as the only country that does this, however now has walked back on her claims. In a new post, the model apologised for using Ahmad as an example, writing that was misinformation.
“This weekend I shared something that I did not fact check or deeply think about prior to reposting…Unfortunately I used the wrong example to make that point and I regret that.”
Ahmad Mansara was kidnapped by IDF forces at the age of 12, with videos showing that he has developed severe mental health issues during captivity. Amnesty International reports that he was 12 when his cousin Hassan was shot dead in front of dead, and Ahmad received severe head injuries after being hit by a car. He was sobbing on the ground and footage shows Israeli soldiers shouting at him. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for attempted murder.
Khulood Badawi, Amnesty International’s Campaigner on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, reported that Ahmad was tortured and abused by Israeli authorities to the point where he has developed severe schizophrenia and depression, and his life remains at risk while being in prison.
“Israeli authorities have treated Ahmad Manasra with inhuman cruelty, intent on pushing him past breaking point. He is now so gravely unwell that he could not attend his own hearing. Yet when Ahmad is discharged from the clinic, prison authorities will return him to solitary confinement and reschedule the court hearing. Ahmad’s nightmare goes on and on.
“Ahmad Manasra has been diagnosed with serious mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and severe depression, for which he has been hospitalized before. Israeli authorities continue to ignore the warnings of independent psychiatrists, who have said that Ahmad Manasra’s life is at risk if he remains in prison. Worse still, they have condemned Ahmad to spend years in isolation despite his conditions, demonstrating once again their contempt for Palestinians’ rights, wellbeing, and lives.”
Twitter users were horrified at how Gigi slandered the struggle to free Ahmad Mansara, and called it a betrayal of the Palestinian movement.
“Gigi Hadid is apologising for using Ahmad Manasra as an example??? Does she even know his story or the torture he’s had to endure since he was a child? I’m so sick of her, idc if she’s Palestinian. This is a disgustingly huge betrayal of her people that won’t be forgiven.”
Gigi Hadid is apologising for using Ahmad Manasra as an example??? Does she even know his story or the torture he’s had to endure since he was a child? I’m so sick of her, idc if she’s Palestinian. This is a disgustingly huge betrayal of her people that won’t be forgiven.
“Gigi Hadid just slandered Ahmad Manasra & expressed regret over sharing his story. I will never forgive you, Gigi, especially with all your influence & affluence, for how you harmed those most noble & oppressed in our community,” wrote a user.
Gigi Hadid just slandered Ahmad Manasra & expressed regret over sharing his story. I will never forgive you, Gigi, especially with all your influence & affluence, for how you harmed those most noble & oppressed in our community. #FreeAhmadManasra#FreeThemAllpic.twitter.com/bnWYjSUO4K
so the coward gigi hadid deleted her ahmed manasra story SHE BELIEVED THE ISRAELI PROPAGANDA saying that he’s a “murderer” and everyone knows ahmed manasra is an innocent hostage, she said he’s a “wrong example” and now she said supporting him is antisemitism I’m beyond disgusted pic.twitter.com/PvuuevPtIU
Noah Schnapp was under fire after he promoted several racist messages undermining the genocide of Gaza and later a video went viral from his Instagram stories where he was distributing stickers labelled ‘Zionism is sexy’. Now news reports have revealed that Netflix is not considering the option of firing the actor from ‘Stranger Things’ season 5, and fans are rallying for the show to be boycotted.
BoycottStrangerThings is now going viral on X (formerly Twitter) as fans are outraged with the way Zionist actors like Noah who shared racist and inhumane messages applauding the genocide can keep their jobs, while actors like Susan Sarandon and Melissa Barrera are fired for calling for a ceasefire.
boycott stranger things. do not even pirate it. do not talk about it. do not give noah schnapp a single click. everytime you even think about watching it remind yourself he thinks “zionism is sexy” which is killing 5 year old palestinian children. BOYCOTT. https://t.co/ff713bf51v
“So spyglass fired an actress for being anti-genocide and a crew member from stranger things was fired for denouncing the violence committed by Israel but when Schnapp says that zionism is sexy (which is the new form of nazism) he gets nothing? Fuxk off,” a user wrote.
So spyglass fired an actress for being anti-genocide and a crew member from stranger things was fired for denouncing the violence committed by Israel but when Schnapp says that zionism is sexy (which is the new form of nazism) he gets nothing? Fuxk off. https://t.co/mCCQVYNENb
Many users are calling for a boycott on Netflix until Noah is fired from the series.
netflix is so spineless, but i’m not surprised. i need everyone to not watch but give the last season of st terrible reviews. two cast members and at least one writer are disgusting zionists who deserve to have a shitty show https://t.co/Y5s1GScwY6
Since October 7 when Netanyahu declared war on Gaza and commenced bombardment that many experts are calling a genocide, social media users have expressed outrage against celebrities remaining silent about the atrocities, especially those who work with UNICEF. The UN body provides protection and aid for children from marginalised communities in countries like Syria and Vietnam.
But as the genocide of Gaza goes on, several people have noticed how prominent big names have remained silent.
Social media feels it’s absolutely necessary to point out that any person with a massive platform and influence has a responsibility to condemn a genocide or at least ask for a ceasefire. If you’re the goodwill ambassador of an organisation that is advocating for the rights of children, then the onus lies on you to speak out when it matters.
We have a list of big names who are working with UNICEF, and what was their stance on the death toll in Gaza.
Selena Gomez
Selena, the most followed person on Instagram, sparked outrage when she posted a vague statement on her social media accounts, writing that she was against the murder of little children, and was taking a break because of the violence. She also added that “an Instagram post doesn’t change anything,” leading many to criticise the actress for being a hypocrite for using her 430 million followers to promote products, but not to stop a genocide.
Later, Selena announced she was deleting her account because of the backlash, causing further outrage. She then signed the petition calling for a ceasefire, and donated to charities in both Israel and Palestine. Social media was still not happy because the CEO of Rare Beauty, Selena’s beauty brand, has publicly expressed his Zionist ties.
Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry
Orlando released a neutral statement on October 14 on his Instagram account expressing his grief on the innocent lives lost both in Israel and Palestine, calling for an end to the war. Then the celebrity couple signed the open letter calling President Biden to bring all hostages home and ending the Hamas.
David Beckham
The former football star and UNICEF ambassador released a statement on his Instagram stories expressing his grief on lives lost on both sides and called for the violence to stop.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka was among the several South Asian celebrities who signed the petition calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and had also not attended the Diwali party held by Kamala Harris at the White House.
Alyssa Milano
The actress released a statement criticising the calls for ‘no ceasefire’ at the Israeli march held in Washington, and called for a radical peace movement that helps the innocent children of Palestine.
Amitabh Bachchan
The Bollywood giant was previously seen taking a selfie with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 2018 event. He has not released a statement about the death toll of children and women killed in Gaza.
Leo Messi
The Argentinian football player is a UNICEF ambassador and has made no public statement about the children killed in Gaza.
Millie Bobby Brown
‘Stranger Things’ star Millie Bobby Brown has not commented anything about the lives lost in Gaza,
Serena Williams
Famous tennis star Serena Williams has said nothing on the innocents killed in Gaza.
Liam Neeson
The actor has not said anything on the mass atrocities committed in Gaza.
Jackie Chan
The prominent Asian actor has said nothing about the civilian lives lost in Gaza.
Palestinian-American supermodel Gigi Hadid has criticised Israeli for abusing and torturing Palestinian children as a tactic to destroy Gaza. During the four day ceasefire which began on Friday, several captives who were locked in Israeli prisons were released, including children.
Gigi shared a picture of a Palestinian boy, who has developed mental health issues after remaining locked away in Israeli prisons. Taking to Instagram to share the picture of Ahmed Almansara, the model slammed Israel’s tactics of raping and torturing Palestinian children, a routine practice before the October 7 attacks.
“Israel is the only country in the world that keeps CHILDREN AS PRISONERS OF WAR. ABDUCTION, RAPE, HUMILIATION, TORTURE, MURDER OF PALESTINIANS. YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS BEFORE OCTOBER 7 2023.”
Gigi shared another news report revealing how Israelis were against the release of women and children by claiming that they were terrorists.
“Israel sees any Palestinian as a ‘terrorist’. Any person supporting Palestinian rights as an ‘anti semite’ and any Jew that is opposed to the government’s actions as ‘self-hating’-even telling them to denounce their Judaism. So… everyone’s lying and wrong, except Israel?!
If it wasn’t so evil and disturbing, it would be comedic.”
Gigi shared another video by a Palestinian boy who prayed that the ceasefire is established for good and ends the war, writing that she prayed that every child deserves peaceful days.
A heartbreaking video is going viral on the internet where an Israeli soldier was seen playing a guitar he stole from a Palestinian home after bombing it. The guitar belonged to Hamadah, who shared online that the guitar was gifted to him by his late father, who passed away after the 2014 Gaza attacks.
“I was shocked today when I saw this TikTok video of an IOF soldier playing guitar in the midst of the rubble in Gaza. I know this guitar very well, because there are not many guitars like this in Gaza. My dad gifted me this guitar 15 years ago. My dad died shortly after the 2014 attack on Gaza, and now they have come to take the last thing I have from him.’ Isn’t it enough that they take away our loved ones, our homes, our families, and even our music and memories? Where does the injustice stop?!”
Hamadah shared two videos where he was seen humming a melody on the guitar, and then an Israeli soldier strumming it at a bombed site.
The video has since then gotten responses with users writing they’re horrified by the brutality displayed by Israeli soldiers.
“this is actually sinister. I’ve seen countless videos of them “playing” amongst the rubble. What could be so awful inside you to push you to do that? It’s inhumane. It’s lacking compassion empathy emotions and humanity,” one user wrote.
Comedian Anees and activist Shaun King expressed their outrage over the video.
