Selena Gomez has been receiving intense backlash online after recently posting a statement to social media regarding the Israel-Hamas war.
The 31-year-old took to Instagram to post a statement to her 430 million followers regarding the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip that has seen over 8,306 Palestinians killed due to Israeli attacks since October 7; more than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel.
"I've been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence and terror that's going on in the world," she wrote on her Stories. "People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific."
The former Wizards of Waverly Place continued, writing "We need to protect ALL people, especially children and stop the violence for good" before adding: "I'm sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag. I just can't stand by innocent people geting hurt. That's what makes me sick.
She concluded the post by saying that she wishes she "could change the world. But a post won't."
In a follow-up, she also posted a photo of her little sister, saying: "Having a sister everyday has made me tragically sick. I would do anything for children and innocent lives."
Fans were less-than-impressed with the star's response, taking to all social media platforms to slam the 'Lose You To Love Me' singer's neutrality in the face of injustice.
On Twitter, popular news account Pop Base shared Gomez's statement which garnered more attention in a short space of time.
"Selena Gomez is literally the 3rd most followed person on Instagram with almost half a BILLION followers. A post WILL make a difference," wrote one user. "This is why I’m annoyed when celebs make a “neutral” statement. They do it only because of their reputation. Not because they genuinely care."
"Selena gomez is such a hypocrite," wrote another. "She saw women in hot bikini pics all over IG, then she made a post about how Instagram should be used to support worthy causes & not just people's bodies..... Now it's time to support the worthy causes suddenly 'a post can't do anything.'"
Others also called out the star for liking pro-Israeli posts while she was allegedly taking her social media "break" and called for a boycott of her beauty brand, Rare Beauty.
"After Selena Gomez stayed silent as the most followed person on instagram w/ a platform that could make a difference for Palestine, she supports Israel and Amy Schumer’s dehumanizing posts," this user stated. "There’s no reason she should be the most followed after this. BOYCOTT RARE BEAUTY."
And this user also pointed out the stark differences in Gomez's reaction when it came to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Taking to Instagram Stories at the time, the 31-year-old posted a statement expressing her support for the victims of Ukraine, also including a donation link so that fans could support the cause too.
"The horrifying and senseless unprovoked attacks on Ukraine continue with more innocent people dying, cities destroyed and families being torn apart for absolutely no reason but one man's greed," she wrote in a statement. "It's unconscionable to believe this is all really happening to these innocent people. I am making a donation to @unicefusa. If you are able to please consider donating as well. They are already providing necessary medical supplies, blankets and warm winter clothes for children."
The news comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has not been able to resupply hospitals in northern Gaza after bombs were dropped on multiple medical facilities, leaving thousands of injured Palestinians with nowhere to receive treatment.
The situation in the area continues to get more dire as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects calls for a ceasefire for the return of hostages taken by Hamas.
"Just as the United States would not agree to a cease-fire after the bombing of Pearl Harbor or after the terrorist attack of 9/11, Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of Oct. 7," Netanyahu said as per The New York Times, adding that "calls for a cease-fire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism."
He then dismissed accusations that Israel is collectively punishing more than two million Gazans for the crimes of Hamas.
The outlet reported that Israel has cut off electricity, fuel and most food and water supplies to Gaza, and its airstrikes have killed more than 3,000 children, according to the Gazan health ministry.
