Olivia Rodrigo calls out 'horrific' conditions facing Palestinians in Gaza
In a powerful message shared on her Instagram Story over the weekend, Rodrigo condemned the "horrific and completely unacceptable" conditions faced by families in Palestine. For nearly two years, Gaza has been grappling with widespread hunger, homelessness, and a lack of access to basic medical care and humanitarian aid. These dire conditions worsened after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign against Hamas, leading to the deaths of over 58,000 people, according to Reuters.
Rodrigo expressed deep sorrow over the situation, saying, 'There are no words to describe the heartbreak I feel witnessing the devastation that is being inflicted upon innocent people in Palestine.' She continued, 'Mothers, fathers, and children in Gaza are starving, dehydrated, and being denied access to basic medical care and humanitarian aid.'
The Grammy-winning artist emphasized the shared human suffering across the globe, stating, 'There is no child in Israel, Palestine, or anywhere in the world who deserves to suffer through what we're seeing these children have to endure. It is horrific and completely unacceptable. To give up on them is to give up on our shared humanity.'
Rodrigo went on to announce that she had made a donation to UNICEF, encouraging her followers to do the same if they were able to contribute. "I've donated to UNICEF to help support the victims of this horrifying situation," she wrote. "I encourage you to do the same if you have the means."
Rodrigo joins a growing number of celebrities speaking out about the violence in Gaza. Recently, Lana Del Rey shared that she prays for Palestine 'every day,' while Billie Eilish publicly disavowed Israel's plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians to a 'humanitarian city' built on the ruins of Rafah, calling the proposal 'horrifying.'
Known for her outspoken activism, Rodrigo has consistently used her platform to address issues that matter to her. From endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election to protesting attacks on reproductive freedom at her shows, the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star is unafraid to speak her mind.
Last year, Rodrigo launched her Fund 4 Good, a project aimed at raising money for abortion funds globally. This initiative earned her the Catalyst for Change award from Planned Parenthood at their spring gala in April 2025.
During her speech at the event, Rodrigo shared her perspective on the politicization of women's bodies: 'We live in a world that politicizes our bodies and uses harmful ideologies to deny us safety and healthcare. My greatest wish is that through organizations like Planned Parenthood and the action of everyday citizens, no woman will need to sacrifice her dreams, her health, or her humanity because of restrictive laws or lack of resources.'
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