LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, recently issued a statement condemning "all acts of terrorism and brutality" amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, which has claimed over 2,400 lives, reports Daily Mail.
The royal couple also pledged support for urgent aid efforts in the region through their Archewell Foundation.
Their message, however, hasn't been well-received by the online community, igniting a wave of criticism.
Harry and Meghan's relevance questioned
The Sussexes' decision to weigh in on the global conflict has raised eyebrows, with many questioning their relevance as private citizens and non-working members of the royal family.
Social media erupted with sarcastic remarks and disdain for the couple's involvement.
One user on X wrote, "Two private citizens said what? Why would anyone care what they think?"
Another user sarcastically questioned, "Why do they think that people care what they have to say? Such an exaggerated sense of self-importance."
The sentiment continued with another comment, "They think they're that important they have to put out a statement. How embarrassing for them."
A user even compared the couple to Z-list actors and influencers, stating, "Still cosplaying global leaders. Will all other Z-list actors/influencers be making a comment?"
Another user, perhaps underscoring their skepticism about the couple's impact, stated, "My garbage truck driver does as well. They all have the same impact on the war."
The ongoing Isarael-Hamas conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict flared up with a violent and extensive attack by Hamas on Israel over the weekend, prompting retaliatory strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Gaza.
The result has been a devastating toll, with at least 2,400 casualties and numerous injuries.
King Charles had already expressed his condemnation of Hamas attacks, referring to them as "barbaric acts of terrorism" in his telephone conversations with President Isaac Herzog of Israel.
As the situation continues to unfold, the king has expressed his deep concern and extended his thoughts and prayers to those who are suffering, especially those who have lost loved ones.
Harry, although he has previously served in Afghanistan, has not visited Israel on an official tour. In 2020, Charles embarked on his first official tour of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
International calls for ceasefire
Amid the escalating crisis, international bodies and leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged unprecedented retaliation, leading to air strikes that have devastated neighborhoods and blocked the entry of essential supplies into Gaza.
Israel's stance is that supplies will not be restored until all hostages are released.
The United Nations, through its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has sounded the alarm about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by a 16-year Israeli blockade. The crisis has left the population in dire need of humanitarian aid.
