Renowned supermodel Gigi Hadid and her family have purportedly faced death threats following their online expressions of support for Palestine. The 28-year-old model, who is of Palestinian heritage, has been outspoken in her recent advocacy for Palestinians during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Gigi Hadid, whose father, Mohamed Hadid, is of Palestinian descent, faced criticism from the Israeli government due to her pro-Palestinian social media posts. The situation has taken a disturbing turn as Gigi and her entire family, including her supermodel sister Bella, brother Anwar, and parents Yolanda and Mohamed, have reportedly been targeted with death threats. To protect themselves, they’ve had to change their phone numbers, and these threats have come through various channels, including email, social media, and direct phone calls, following the alleged leak of their contact information online. In response, it’s suggested that Mohamed, a real-estate developer, is contemplating involving the FBI to address this concerning wave of death threats.
Mohamed has children named Marielle, aged 43, and Alana, aged 38, from his previous relationship with Mary Butler.
Regarding the conflict, it’s important to note that the death toll has been rising on both sides since the terror organization Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. In response, Israel has conducted retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip and has also cut off electricity to this small region, home to over two million Palestinians.
Gigi Hadid expressed her support for the Palestinian people on her Instagram Stories, sharing a graphic that emphasized that criticizing the Israeli government is not the same as being antisemitic and supporting Palestinians does not equate to supporting Hamas.
Her father, Mohamed, posted the same graphic on his Instagram grid with the caption “Just that simple.” However, Israel’s government swiftly responded to Gigi’s commentary about the conflict on their Instagram Stories.
It read: ‘There is nothing valiant about Hamas’ massacre of Israelis. Condemning Hamas for what it is (ISIS) is not anti-Palestine and supporting Israelis in their fight against barbaric terrorists is the right thing to do.’
The account of the State of Israel then directed comments at Gigi specifically, tagging her account and writing: ‘Have you been sleeping the past week?’
‘Or you just fine turning a blind eye to Jewish babies being butchered in their homes? Your silence has been very clear about where you stand. We see you.’
The Israeli government shared a picture depicting a floor that seemed to be stained with blood alongside children’s toys, accompanied by the message: ‘Your words are meaningless if you don’t denounce this,’ once more mentioning Gigi.
On another Instagram post visible on her profile, Gigi extended her sympathies to her dear ones from both the Palestinian and Jewish communities while discussing the ongoing conflict.
She wrote: ‘My thoughts are with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict – too many of which are children.
‘I have deep empathy wand heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle and life under occupation, it’s a responsibility I hold daily.
