U2 Members Condemn Netanyahu, Hamas Over Gaza Conflict

U2 has publicly addressed the Israel-Gaza conflict, with each band member sharing their perspectives and condemning the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for its actions against Palestinians. Bono expressed deep personal grief over images of starving children in Gaza and criticized the brutality inflicted by Netanyahu's far-right government, emphasizing that the Israeli government should not be conflated with the nation of Israel. The band supports a two-state solution and committed to donating to Medical Aid for Palestinians as part of their relief efforts. The Edge was notably direct, labeling the Israeli military's occupation as "ethnic cleansing" and "colonial genocide," and questioned the morality of the devastation inflicted on civilians. While the members condemned both Hamas and Netanyahu, their statements particularly highlighted the recent escalation following Hamas' October 7 attack and the subsequent military plans by Israel, including the proposed takeover of Gaza City. Criticism of Bono's statement emerged from some quarters for perceived imbalance, noting his initial focus on Israeli suffering and less emphasis on the scale of Palestinian casualties and systematic violence.