Emma Watson, Angelina Jolie, and more: UN celebrity ambassadors advocate for Palestinian rights

SHAH ALAM – The ongoing violence in Gaza has sparked global outrage and condemnation, with the region witnessing horrific acts of violence, including massacres and genocidal campaigns against innocent civilians.

The urgent need for solidarity and support from influential voices has become clear, as countless lives are lost and communities are torn apart by the genocide.

Since October 7, 2023, the genocide in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory has inflicted numerous civilian casualties.

Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted 443 attacks on healthcare in Gaza alone, resulting in 723 fatalities, 924 injuries, and damage to 101 facilities, while also impacting 106 ambulances.

Despite the severity of the situation, several prominent voices have emerged from the international community in support of the Palestinian people.

Several UN (United Nations) Celebrity Ambassadors have stepped forward to voice their concern and advocate for justice in Gaza.

Their actions serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity, highlighting the importance of using their platforms to raise awareness and amplify the voices of those affected by the inhuman act.

Emma Watson

British actress Emma Watson has been a vocal advocate for the UN Women's HeForShe campaign, promoting gender parity and inclusivity.

Beyond her acting career, Watson has actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and women's rights.

Watson has extended her humanitarian efforts to regions such as Bangladesh and Zambia, where she has worked to empower young women and support community development projects.

Recently, Watson has shown her solidarity with pro-Palestinian activism by amplifying voices on social media.

Sharing a post from the Bad Activist Collective on Instagram, she highlighted the importance of solidarity with a poignant quote from scholar Sara Ahmed.

Angelina Jolie

Hollywood actor Angelia Jolie has been actively involved with the United Nations for many years.

Since 2001, she has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and later took on the role of Special Envoy in 2012.

In her capacity as Goodwill Ambassador and Special Envoy, Jolie has focused on addressing major humanitarian crises resulting in mass displacements of populations.

She has conducted numerous field missions, including visits to countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq, particularly in response to the Syria conflict.

Jolie has not shied away from speaking out against ongoing atrocities, including genocides.

In 2023, she publicly slammed Israel for its mass-killings in Gaza, condemning what she viewed as deliberate attacks on civilians and holding global leaders accountable for their silence.

Recognised for her impactful humanitarian work, Jolie has received several prestigious awards and honours, including the Humanitarian Award from the Church World Service's Immigration and Refugee Programme, the Citizen of the World Award from the United Nations Correspondents Association, and the Global Humanitarian Award from the UNA-USA.

Mark Ruffalo

American movie star Mark Ruffalo celebrated for his diverse roles in cinema, has also gained recognition for his active involvement in social and political activism.

While his direct affiliation with the United Nations is not explicitly stated, Ruffalo has fervently championed various causes, particularly in the realms of environmental conservation and human rights.

He has openly voiced his opinions on contentious issues, such as the Palestine ganocide, drawing attention to the plight of affected populations.

Ruffalo has been vocal in his criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians, expressing his views through various public platforms.

He rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for referring to Palestinian casualties as ‘collateral damage’ and stressed the need for empathy towards those affected by the violence.

In 2021, Ruffalo sparked controversy when he accused Israel of ‘genocide’ on Twitter.

However, he later retracted his statement following criticism from various quarters.

During an appearance on the Mehdi Hasan Show in 2020, Ruffalo characterised Israel as exhibiting traits reminiscent of apartheid.

He also joined other celebrities in signing a letter to US President Joe Biden in October 2021, urging for a ceasefire between Gaza and Israel.

In June 2022, Ruffalo supported a petition calling on PayPal to extend its services to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, alleging a violation of UN guidelines.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is a renowned American actress who has been a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women since 2016.

In this role, she has actively promoted gender equality and women's empowerment globally.

Hathaway's efforts as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador have centred on highlighting the disproportionate burden of domestic care work on women, promoting affordable childcare services, and advocating for shared parental leave.

In 2021, Anne Hathaway joined UN Women in calling for the de-escalation in Gaza.

She issued a heartfelt statement on the situation, expressing her distress over the violence in the region.

"It's breaking my heart to see the terrible, escalating violence in Palestine and Israel, the bloodshed, the deaths, and the children killed.

"I join UN Women and all those calling for an immediate de-escalation of the crisis.

"Everyone has the right to live in peace and dignity," she shared on her Instagram post.

John Cusack

Hollywood actor John Cusack, renowned for his diverse roles in cinema, has extended his influence beyond the silver screen into the realm of humanitarian and political activism.

While John Cusack has not held a formal position within the United Nations, he has consistently used his platform to express his views on significant global matters, particularly the mass-killing in Gaza.

He has adamantly spoken out against what he perceives as genocidal actions by the Israeli military and has actively campaigned for a cessation of hostilities.

In 2023, Cusack demonstrated his commitment to peace and justice by endorsing an open letter urging Biden to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Solange Knowles

American singer, songwriter and actress Solange Knowles has emerged as a prominent voice on various pressing issues, notably expressing her support for Palestinian rights and condemnation of Israeli military interventions.

She refused to remain silent, boldly denouncing Israeli military actions against Palestinians as tantamount to "genocide" and vehemently advocating for a cessation of hostilities.

Throughout her career, Knowles has been actively engaged in humanitarian and political endeavours, using her platform to raise awareness and spark conversations on critical issues.

Her outspoken nature and willingness to confront controversial topics have garnered both admiration and criticism from diverse quarters, yet she remains resolute in her convictions.

Sania Mirza

Former Indian professional tennis player and UN Women Ambassador for South Asia Sania Mirza champions gender equality, addressing issues like female foeticide and India's sex ratio decline.

Through her advocacy and sporting feats, she promotes gender equality in the region.

In a heartfelt gesture, Sania took to her Instagram story to express her prayers for the children of Palestine in 2023.

Her compassionate words resonate, standing out among the voices of few Indian celebrities advocating for Palestine.

"I pray for the day when the children of Palestine wake up to the sound of birds and not bombs," she said.

These individuals, despite their influential platforms and extensive advocacy on various humanitarian issues, have chosen to remain vocal, standing unwaveringly in solidarity with Palestine amidst its ongoing struggles.

Their voices, amplified by their celebrity status, carry weight in global consciousness.

They have boldly stepped forward, raising their voices against the injustices unfolding in Palestine.

Their commitment to the cause transcends geographical boundaries to shed light on one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.