In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, renowned singer Dua Lipa expressed her perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict, passionately calling for a "humanitarian cease-fire."
Lipa emphasized the need for more profound discussions about war and oppression, stating, "I think there’s no kind of deep discussion about war and oppression. It just is something that we’ve seen happen time and time again."
The singer acknowledged the limitations of her role as a musician in effecting change but underscored the importance of showing solidarity.
Lipa commented, "I feel like just being a musician and posting about something doesn’t make enough of a difference, but hopefully, just showing solidarity, which is sometimes all you feel like you can do, is important."
Addressing the Hamas attacks on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli lives lost, Lipa expressed empathy, saying, "I feel so bad for every Israeli life lost." She joined other celebrities, including Cate Blanchett and Joaquin Phoenix, in signing an open letter urging President Biden to advocate for de-escalation and a cease-fire. Lipa emphasized the urgent need for world leaders to address the humanitarian crisis and called for an end to hostilities.
The interview also revisited a 2021 incident where Lipa faced accusations of anti-Semitism for supporting Palestinian liberation. Lipa strongly condemned the allegations and the publication of a full-page ad in The New York Times.
In her defence, she had previously shared on her instagram page that she stands in solidarity with all oppressed people and rejects all forms of racism.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Lipa expressed being hurt by the situation where her core values and beliefs were "completely flipped on its head." She hopes that when she speaks about important matters, people will recognise her intentions and understand that there is no malicious intent.
