Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid has broken her silence on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, calling for people to stand together to defend “humanity and compassion”.

Hadid, whose father is Palestinian, had been incredibly vocal about the Palestinian cause in the past but faced intense backlash and had not released a statement since the ongoing resurgence in violence in Palestine began 21 days ago.

“Forgive me for my silence. I have yet to find the ideal words for this deeply intricate and horrific past two weeks, weeks that have turned the world’s attention back towards a situation that has been taking innocent lives and affecting families for decades. I have much to say, but for today, I will keep it short,” she wrote in a lengthy statement posted on Instagram early Friday.

“I’ve been sent hundreds of death threats daily, my phone number has been leaked and my family has felt to be in danger. But I can not be silenced any longer. Fear is not an option. The people and children of Palestine, especially Gaza, cannot afford our silence. We are not brave — they are,” she said.

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