Barbadian singer Rihanna drew a lot of attention after she released a statement about the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, saying she “stands with humanity”. She also said that she mourned the loss of innocent lives due to the altercations broke out on Monday. While some people sided with her, others on social media platforms asked her to get her “facts” right.
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The tensions between the two countries were existent for a few weeks prior to the violence that broke out over the evictions of Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah region in East Jerusalem to make way for Israeli settlers. Violent blows were exchanged in the form of bombs and missiles at s holy site revered by Jews and Muslims.
Rihanna’s statement has brought about several messages of “Free Palestine” on social media platforms from the users while there were a few responses asking her to learn more about the conflict.
“My heart is breaking with the violence I’m seeing displayed between Israel and Palestine!”, read Rihanna’s statement. “I can’t bear to see it! Innocent Israeli and Palestinian children are hiding in bomb shelters, over 40 lives lost in Gaza alone, at least 13 of whom were also innocent children!”.
The Barbadian elaborated on the need for a call to action and slammed the extremists and the government. “We are sadly watching innocent people fall victim to notions perpetrated by government and extremists, and this cycle needs to be broken!”.
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Her Instagram post is flooded with comments of Palestinian flag emoticons, while one comment read “Get your facts right Riri”. “Do you research boo boo”, read another comment. “There are no bomb shelters in palestine”, read another. The singer’s remarks have been under scrutiny on Twitter.
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