Thom Yorke Clarifies Israel-Gaza Conflict Statement

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke issued a statement clarifying his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict after a confrontation with a pro-Palestinian protester during a Melbourne concert in October 2024. Yorke explained that his initial silence was intended to respect all victims and avoid trivializing the crisis, but he regrets that it was seen as complicity, leading to intimidation and defamation that affected his mental health. In his statement, Yorke condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration as 'extremists' who should face international pressure to stop their actions, and criticized the ongoing blockade of aid to Gaza. He also denounced Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attacks and for hiding behind the suffering of Palestinians. Yorke stressed his opposition to extremism and dehumanization, encouraging empathy and critical thinking. The statement follows ongoing debate over artists' roles in political issues, with Yorke and his bandmate Jonny Greenwood previously criticized for not boycotting Israel.