Throughout their career, the members of U2—particularly lead singer Bono—have been known for their political activism as well as their music.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, the band took to their Instagram account to share their thoughts about the continuing conflict in Gaza with each of the band’s four members weighing in with their thoughts on the matter.
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“Everyone has long been horrified by what is unfolding in Gaza – but the blocking of humanitarian aid and now plans for a military takeover of Gaza City has taken the conflict into uncharted territory. We are not experts in the politics of the region, but we want our audience to know where we each stand,” reads the caption
In a carousel of slides, each member of the band shared their thoughts, beginning with Bono.
The U2 frontman wrote that the images of starving children in Gaza reminded him of his trip to Ethiopia with his wife Ali nearly 40 years ago following U2’s performance at Live Aid.
“To witness chronic malnutrition up close would make it personal for any family, especially as it affects children. Because when the loss of non-combatant life en masse appears so calculated…especially the deaths of children, then ‘evil’ is not a hyperbolic adjective…in the sacred text of Jew, Christian, and Muslim it is an evil that must be resisted.”
“The rape, murder, and abduction of Israelis at the Nova music festival was evil,” he added.
Bono went on to add that he had “long believed in Israel’s right to exist and supported a two-state solution. I want to make clear to anyone who cares to listen our band’s condemnation of [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s immoral actions and join all who have called for a cessation of hostilities on both sides.”
He added that U2 “urge the good people in Israel to demand unfettered access by professionals to deliver the critical care needed through Gaza” and has donated to Medical Aid For Palestinians.
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The statement by U2 guitarist The Edge ended with the words: “The road to peace is difficult. But it is never too late, or too early, to begin walking it.”
Bassist Adam Clayton began his statement by writing, “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel’s aid blockage and bombing looks like revenge on a civilian population who are not responsible for Hamas’ murderous attack on October 7.”
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. wrapped up the band’s and his own statement by writing, “I undoubtedly support Israel’s right to exist and I also believe Palestinians deserve the same right and a state of their own. Silence serves none of us.”
