As American activists and journalists continue to demonstrate against the genocide in Palestine, more celebrities have signed an open letter calling for an end to hostilities. In particular, the letter demands that Congress and President Joe Biden move quickly to implement a ceasefire and de-escalation in Gaza, where the number of Palestinian deaths is getting close to twelve thousand. The Israeli force is currently besieging Gaza’s hospitals, trapping medical professionals and patients inside without access to food or water, resulting in a dangerous situation.
Recently, a number of well-known individuals have signed the cease-fire letter: Grammy-nominated musician Janelle Monae; film legend Richard Gere; comedian and host Hasan Minhaj; and the well-known supermodel siblings Gigi and Bella Hadid. Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas from India is among the artists who are calling for a ceasefire.
Aside from this, poet Rupi Kaur recently penned a harsh justification for her decision not to go to a White House Diwali celebration. The writer went to X again to answer all questions when asked for an explanation. “Many international and national media outlets have contacted me for comments. This is how I’m responding,” she said.
“It is disheartening that the White House’s response to our demands for accountability was, ‘Everyone has their perspective, we respect persons’ opinions, and that is her opinion.’ The statement “Everyone has their opinion…and that is her opinion” is a deceptive and gaslighting reply to the statement “Your government is using American tax dollars to enable a Genocide, and we are asking you to stop.”
Then Kaur went on, “President Biden was asked yesterday, ‘What are the prospects of a Gaza ceasefire?'” He answered, “None.” Not possible. It is a shame that this administration lacks empathy for the lives sacrificed by Israelis and Palestinians. All communities’ children deserve our love and care. Collective punishment is not a solution; it is an inhumane practice and a war crime.”
“Everyone has their opinion and that is her opinion,” she continued to write as Palestinian children were pulling themselves out of the wreckage. when they are under bombardment and carrying their dead. when more than 900 bloodlines have been permanently lost. When hospital after hospital was bombed yesterday night. Ambulances were destroyed, and cancer and maternity wards were left completely demolished. “Everyone has their perspective, and that is her opinion” ignores the obvious and basic reality that the vast majority of people in the globe, including Americans, are calling for an end to hostilities.”
“Everyone has their opinion and that is her opinion,” the explanation went on, “but when the Pope, the UN, and every other international humanitarian, medical, and aid organization are begging and pleading for a ceasefire, then that is her opinion.” And President Biden says, ‘None, no possibility.’ Let’s maintain our pressure. Join us in signing petitions. Continue posting. Turn away. Make sure to halt the genocide by calling our representatives.
Countless national & global news outlets have reached out to me for comment. This is my response:
We demanded accountability and it is saddening that the best the White House could come up with is, “Everyone has their opinion, we respect folks’ opinion, and that is her opinion.” pic.twitter.com/1sIQPjGXLx
— rupi kaur (@rupikaur_) November 10, 2023
Fatima Bhutto was pleased by Kaur’s reply. “Please read Rupi’s brilliant response—this is what the world is demanding: accountability and justice,” she said, quoting the post and taking aim at X. A ceasefire that is enforced immediately, no less.”
Please read Rupi’s brilliant response- this is what the world is demanding: accountability and justice. An immediate ceasefire and nothing less. https://t.co/fGICE5XvbH
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) November 10, 2023
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.