Israeli musician Bono voices disapproval towards Israel's actions in Gaza
In the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict of 2023, Bono, the frontman of U2, has taken a strong stance, expressing deep moral concern and advocating for an end to the violence.
Bono did not claim to be an expert in the politics of the region, but he did not shy away from condemning the actions of both Israel and Hamas. He criticized the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu for policies deserving of "categorical and unequivocal condemnation" [1][2].
The musician also condemned the attack by Islamist Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, but he emphasized that Hamas should not be equated with the Palestinian people [3]. Bono found the use of starvation as a weapon by both parties to be morally repugnant [1].
Bono urged the release of hostages and called for an immediate ceasefire on both sides. He expressed his dismay over Israel using hunger as a weapon of war and condemned the blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza [1][2][3]. The blocking of humanitarian aid and plans for a military takeover of Gaza City, according to Bono, have taken the conflict into uncharted territory [5].
The musician urged more trucks with aid supplies to be allowed to pass through and called for unrestricted access for medical experts to provide aid in Gaza and the West Bank [2]. Bono has also amplified the voices of Jewish figures like Rabbi Sharon Brous and actor Mandy Patinkin, who are critical of the war's impact on Judaism and local neighbours [1][2].
Bono has expressed a desire for his views to be understood, as shown by a shared image on Twitter [6]. Though Bono has advocated peace and coexistence broadly, including U2’s public calls for peace in the region, recent statements emphasize cessation of war and humanitarian access rather than explicitly restating a two-state solution [4].
Bono's stance combines condemnation of the Israeli government’s military actions with calls for ending violence and ensuring humanitarian aid, showing solidarity with both Palestinians and Israelis who want peace [1][2][3][4][5]. U2 donated to the British aid organization Medical Aid for Palestinians [7].
The musician's statement was published on various social media platforms and the band's website. Bono has also condemned the actions of Hamas as well.
References: [1] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bono-israel-gaza-conflict-statement-b2194090.html [2] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/15/bono-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-conflict [3] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-12/bono-condemns-hamas-attack-on-israel-but-says-gaza-must-not-be-equated-with-hamas/ [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-59154058 [5] https://www.thejc.com/news/world/bono-calls-for-military-takeover-of-gaza-city-to-be-abandoned [6] https://twitter.com/U2/status/1578207606902630400 [7] https://www.mafp.org.uk/news/u2-donate-to-medical-aid-for-palestinians-in-response-to-israel-gaza-conflict
- Bono, while not an expert in regional politics, has expressed strong disapproval of both Israel and Hamas' actions in the 2023 Israel-Gaza conflict, condemning the Israeli government's policies and the use of hunger as a weapon by both parties, and urging for an end to the violence and an increase in humanitarian aid.
- The musician's stance on the conflict combines criticism of the Israeli government's military actions, calls for the cessation of violence, and advocacy for humanitarian aid,positioning himself in solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis seeking peace, and he has also condemned Hamas' actions.
