With the death toll in Gaza rising as Israel continues its military offensive, launched in response to Hamas‘ deadly terror attacks, Riz Ahmed has made an emotional plea for the violence to come to an end.
Writing on his social media accounts, the actor called for an end to “morally indefensible war crimes,” including Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians.”
“We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine. But in my heart, I know there is only one — the side of our humanity,” the Sound of Metal, Rogue One and Jason Bourne star wrote. “What happened in Israel last week was horrific and wrong. The pain and fear so many are feeling is deep and real. What’s happening in Gaza now, and has been happening in Palestine under the Occupation for decades, is horrific and wrong. The depth and reality of this suffering cannot be ignored.”
On Oct. 7, Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, reportedly killing more than 1,400 people. In retaliation, Israel’s attacks on Gaza have reportedly killed more than 2,300 Palestinians, making it the deadliest of the five wars Israel has launched against the territory. At least 1 million Gaza residents have been displaced, according to UN estimates.
“If we look only in one direction, we will go even deeper into darkness. But that is exactly what is happening right now,” added Ahmed. “We are being asked to look away while the civilians of Gaza, half of them children, are running out of time. If we are on the side of humanity we must urgently speak up to try and avert the loss of innocent life. This means calling for an end to the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians and vital infrastructure, the denial of food, water and electricity, the forced displacement of people from their homes. These are morally indefensible war crimes.”
