The Israeli government has chosen to address Gigi Hadid directly after she shared a statement on the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine.
The 28-year-old model, who is half-Palestinian, took to social media last week to share her thoughts after the militant group Hamas infiltrated Israel and attacked citizens. Israel responded by launching a counter-attack on Gaza, where Palestinians are dying.
News outlets report that the death toll is now over 1400.
Gigi wrote on Instagram:
“My thoughts are with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict —too many of which are children. I have deep empathy and heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle and life under occupation, it’s a responsibility I hold daily. I also feel a responsibility to my Jewish friends to make it clear, as I have before: While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person.”
She condemned “the terrorizing of innocent people,” saying it hurt the “Free Palestine” movement. Gigi concluded:
“I know my words will never be enough or heal the deep wounds of so many, but I pray for the safety of innocent lives, always.”
On Sunday (October 15), Israel called out Gigi on social media, writing:
“Have you been sleeping the past week Gigi? Or are you just fine turning a blind eye to jewish babies being butchered in their homes? Your silence has been very clear about where you stand. We see you.”
This post was accompanied by a screenshot of a story shared by the model, which read:
“There is nothing Jewish about the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians. Condemning the Israeli government is not anitisemitic and supporting Palestinians is not supporting Hamas.”
Israel responded to Gigi’s story with this:
“There is nothing valiant about Hamas’ massacre of Israelis. Condemning Hamas for what it is (ISI) is not anti-Palestine and supporting Israelis in their fight against barbaric terrorists is the right thing to do.”
They included a photo that appeared to be a child’s bedroom covered in blood.
