Bono Speaks Out Against Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu in Plea to Stop War
Bono called for an end to the war between Israel and Hamas at 2025 Ivor Novello Awards last night.
During the awards ceremony, held at London's Grosvenor House, U2 became the first Irish act to receive Fellowship of the Ivors Academy. Bono took the opportunity to criticize Hamas and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and to encourage peace.
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The rock band performed their 1983 song 'Sunday Bloody Sunday,' which is about the 1972 massacre during which the British army shot at unarmed protestors and ultimately killed 14 people. 'I used to introduce this next song by saying it was not a rebel song,' Bono noted, via NME. 'It was because believing in the possibilities of peace was then, and is now, a rebellious act; and some would say a ridiculous one.'
'To believe peace was attainable between your country and ours, between our country and itself was a ridiculous idea because peace creates possibilities in the most intractable situations, and Lord knows there's a few of them out there right now,' he said. 'Hamas release the hostages. Stop the war. Israel be released from Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right fundamentalists that twist your sacred texts. All of you protect our aid workers, they are the best of us.'
This is the first time that Bono, a known activist, has voiced his opinion about the ongoing conflict. He conclude his short acceptance speech by saying, 'God, you must be so tired of us, children of Abraham, in the rubble of our certainties. Children in the rubble of our revenge. God forgive us.'
The Ivor Novello Awards are the U.K.'s longest-running music awards ceremony. This year, the 70th edition of the awards, honored U2, Charli XCX, Lola Young, and the Killers' Brandon Flowers. Ed Sheeran was on hand to present U2 with their award, telling the audience that he discovered the band when he heard 'The Sweetest Thing' as a child. He added that he has 'a deep, deep respect for [the band], not just as artists, but also as humans.'
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