Tag: palestine attack

  • Twitter users outraged after Gigi Hadid apologises for Ahmad Mansara story, calls it ‘wrong example’

    Twitter users outraged after Gigi Hadid apologises for Ahmad Mansara story, calls it ‘wrong example’

    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 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.

  • GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East has announced that this year they are awarding the coveted ‘Man Of The Year’ dedication to Gazan journalist and photographer Motaz Azaiza, a leading voice in spreading awareness about the ongoing genocide of Gaza.

    In their dedication, the publication honoured Motaz for becoming the embodiment of hope for the people of Gaza and the rest of the world with his coverage. “His work personifies the power of digital activism,” the publication wrote. “And his humanity is an important reminder that bravery appears in many forms. Sometimes we choose it, other times it chooses us, and in the case of Azaiza, choice wasn’t even an option.”

    The publication further stated this year, they were no longer setting up categories honouring different people with titles like Iconoclast, Maverick or Legend, because with Motaz among the ranks the selection carries more weight than ever before.

    “Much like his peers on the ground in Gaza, he reminds us that no matter who we are or where we’re from, it’s us- ordinary people, men, and women- who have the power to enact that very change that we want to see.”

    GQ also included voices from several prominent activists and Arab figures, who commended Motaz for becoming the rallying cry against the atrocities of Gaza.

    “Living up to his middle name ‘Hilal’ which means crescent moon in Arabic, Motaz has shone a light on Gaza amidst the most obscene form of cruelty and darkness and also has shined a much-needed light into the broken hearts of millions around the world, giving us a sense of hope.” writes Kuwati-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. “I know you didn’t want this role of documenting the dehumanisation, and the pain of our people. I hope for Motaz a future as bright as his smile and as soothing as your voice. Your courage and ability to document and uplift millions of souls. For me, Motaz was always, and will always, be a manifestation of the heartbeat of humanity. May the universe protect you and your tribe of unsung heroes and may your life be filled with light and love. Thank you for your commitment to the truth and for showcasing Palestinian resilience against all odds. I have never been so inspired as a journalist, or a human by your soul and how it sings.”

    Huda Kattan, founder of the beauty giant Huda Beauty writes: “His courage is so inspiring. He’s risking his life to share the story of his people and never stopping through everything. He continues to fight and give his people a voice. Motaz gives us all the power to really stand up and it’s so inspiring to see. In times where there’s so much darkness, he still finds a way to show the humanity of what’s going on. We’ve never had a chance like this to get so up close and personal to any conflict, and that’s because of him and people like him. He has forever changed us in so many ways, but mostly because of his courage.”

    Israeli-Palestinian actor Adam Bakri wrote on how Motaz had single-handedly changed the definition of stardom, with how he became a hero for the people of Gaza:

    “Motaz Azaiza, with a smile on his face, carrying a weathered, oversized red teddy bear while carefully descending from a towering heap of rubble in Gaza… That image will stay with me forever. The glamour and fame associated with movie stars and pop stars are now completely devoid of any real significance to me. In fact, the definition of the term ‘star’ is altogether altered. Brave souls like Motaz are the true stars, at least in my eyes. He defies every conventional stereotype associated with heroism. He has inspired me to embark on an even deeper introspection regarding my own life. How can I infuse greater significance and purpose into my daily existence? How might I elevate my own journey to a level of heroism, echoing a universal resonance of utter selflessness and empathy? Motaz, unquestionably, stands as the embodiment of what it means to be truly human.“