On the 23rd of October 2023, Dua Lipa, the well-known artist behind ‘New Rules,’ shared a letter addressed to President Biden. This letter, signed by a diverse group of artists and advocates, stands as a plea from human beings who are witnessing the tragic loss of lives and unfolding crises in Israel and Palestine.
The letter earnestly calls upon President Biden, as well as the U.S. Congress, to advocate for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in both Gaza and Israel before any more lives are lost. Over the past week and a half, the death toll has exceeded 5,000, a catastrophic number that touches the conscience of anyone with empathy. Regardless of faith or ethnicity, all human life is considered sacred, and the letter condemns the loss of life among both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
The signatories implore the U.S. administration, Congress, and world leaders to prioritize the lives of all those in the Holy Land, promoting and facilitating an immediate ceasefire. This should encompass ending the airstrikes in Gaza and ensuring the safe release of hostages. It’s crucial to note that half of Gaza’s population consists of children, with more than two-thirds being refugees and their descendants who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach these vulnerable populations.
The United States is seen as capable of playing a crucial diplomatic role in ending this suffering, and this letter adds its voice to the many already advocating for peace, including the U.S. Congress, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, The International Committee of The Red Cross, and numerous others. Saving lives is not just a moral duty but a global imperative, echoing UNICEF’s plea that “Compassion, along with international law, must prevail.”
As of the letter’s writing, more than 6,000 bombs have fallen on Gaza in the last 12 days, leading to the heartbreaking statistic of one child being killed every 15 minutes.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with children and families in Gaza running out of essential supplies like food, water, electricity, medicine, and access to hospitals due to airstrikes and disrupted supply routes. Gaza’s sole power plant has run out of fuel, leading to a halt in electricity, water, and wastewater treatment. Most residents can no longer access drinking water, and the situation is devastating. The letter reiterates the urgency of humanitarian intervention, emphasizing the necessity of compassion and adherence to international law.
The letter’s signatories express their deep pain and sorrow for all those affected by the crisis in the region and emphasize their unwavering commitment to upholding common humanity. Their cause is rooted in the pursuit of freedom, justice, dignity, and peace for all people, with a strong desire to prevent further bloodshed.
They adamantly refuse to allow future generations to hear the story of their silence. As UN Emergency Relief Chief Martin Griffiths noted, “History is watching.”
The letter was signed by numerous influential figures from various fields, including Adam McKay, Alfonso Cuarón, Amanda Gorman, Aminé, Cate Blanchett, Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Shailene Woodley, and many others. Their collective voice calls for immediate action to end the suffering and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.”