Bono admits he 'circled the subject' as U2 condemn Israel
Bono also admitted to 'circling the subject' of the inhumane conditions Israel has inflicted upon the Palestinian people over the past two years.
In a series of lengthy statements posted to social media, each of the four members of the band laid out their stances on the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Bono has admitted to 'circling the subject'. Pic: Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
The post was captioned: 'Everyone has long been horrified by what is unfolding in Gaza – but the blocking of humanitarian aid and now plans for a military takeover of Gaza City has taken the conflict into uncharted territory.
'We are not experts in the politics of the region, but we want our audience to know where we each stand.'
Bono's statement, which covered ten slides, admitted that he had circled around the issue of speaking out on Israel's horrific actions in Gaza. Bono has been heavily criticised over his silence. Pic:He still used a great deal of the statement to condemn Hamas over the attack on October 7, 2023 and explain his reactions to it.
Bono has been heavily criticised for not speaking publicly about Gaza, along with his decision to accept the Medal of Freedom from then-US President Joe Biden earlier this year.
He stated: 'Israel's revenge for the Hamas attack appeared more and more disproportionate and disinterested in the equally innocent civilian lives in Gaza. Gaza is being starved by Israel. Pic: AFP via Getty Images
'The Government of Israel is not the nation of Israel, but the Government of Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu today deserves our categorical and unequivocal condemnation.'
The singer added that he has long believed in Israel's 'right to exist' and supported a two-state solution.
He continued: 'I want to make clear to anyone who cares to listen our band's condemnation of Netanyahu's immoral actions and join all who have called for a cessation of hostilities on both sides. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by U2 (@u2)
'Our band stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine who truly seek a path to peace and coexistence with Israel and with their rightful and legitimate demand for statehood.
'We stand in solidarity with the remaining hostages and plead that someone rational negotiate their release.'
Bono said the images of 'starving children on the Gaza Strip' reminded him of a trip he made to Ethiopia with his wife Ali Hewson nearly 40 years ago. He still used a great deal of the statement to condemn Hamas over the attack on October 7, 2023 and explain his reactions to it. Pic: Getty.
He added: 'To witness chronic malnutrition up close would make it personal for any family, especially as it affects children.
'Because when the loss of non-combatant life en masse appears so calculated… especially the deaths of children, then 'evil' is not a hyperbolic adjective.'
He wrote that he had felt he should focus on poverty and the humanitarian crisis occurring within Africa, while saying that he felt countries like Sudan were overlooked in their suffering.
Bono said that he understands that 'Hamas are not the Palestinian people', who have undergone oppression, occupation, and 'the systemic stealing of the land that is rightfully theirs'.
The U2 frontman added that he can see the parallels between the historic occupation of Ireland and the occupation of Gaza, stating: 'It's little wonder so many here in Ireland have campaigned for decades for justice for the Palestinian people.'
Shorter statements from the three other band members took the same stance.
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