Shawn Mendes Slams Israel, Calls for Release of Palestine
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Pop star Shawn Mendes posted on social media calling for the "release of Palestine" and alleging "genocide" in Gaza, urging an end to the "senseless killing" and for global action. He acknowledged the difficulty for artists to speak out but felt compelled to advocate for change and shared his financial support for Gaza-based organizations. This follows similar past statements and participation in benefit events, and comes after Formula 1 driver Luis Hamilton also criticized Israel's actions in Gaza.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shawn Mendes called for the "release of Palestine" and alleged "genocide" in Gaza on social media.
- Mendes urged an end to "senseless killing" and encouraged global action to help Palestinian children.
- The pop star acknowledged the fear artists face in speaking out but felt compelled to advocate.
- Mendes has previously signed petitions and participated in benefit events for Palestinians.
- His statement follows a similar public criticism of Israel by Formula 1 driver Luis Hamilton.
Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes has issued a strong statement on social media, calling for the "release of Palestine" and alleging that "genocide is happening before our eyes." Mendes stated that the "senseless killing in Gaza must stop," emphasizing the prolonged suffering of children and families in Palestine and their need for help. Addressing his 68 million Instagram followers, he acknowledged the fear artists often feel in expressing their views on the conflict but felt compelled to speak out. He urged others to educate themselves and seek ways to effect change, sharing that he has donated to organizations working in Gaza.
Mendes encouraged his followers and fellow artists not to remain silent, asserting that collective voices bring about change. He implored them to listen to their hearts, find courage, and act to help the children of Palestine, drawing a parallel to their own need for bravery. The singer also provided a list of actions, including donating, learning, advocating, challenging those in power, and voting. He concluded his message with a statement of hope, "With so much love, I believe in us."
This is not Mendes's first public stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2024, he signed a petition for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation. In August 2025, he publicly expressed heartbreak over the situation in Gaza during a concert in Portugal, while also condemning rising antisemitism and the perversion of suffering into hatred of Jews. In January 2026, he participated in a video featuring artists like Rosalía and Mark Ruffalo reading poems by Palestinian and Sudanese poets. He also performed at the Artists for Aid benefit in Los Angeles, co-hosted by Bella Hadid and Pedro Pascal, with proceeds going to aid Palestinians and Sudanese citizens.
Mendes's post follows a similar statement by Formula 1 star Luis Hamilton, who visited the Rafah crossing and subsequently criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, describing them as "horrifying" and an "injustice." Hamilton spoke of the denial of freedom, security, and dignity to people, and the construction of walls to confine them, likening the area to an open-air prison.
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