Olivia Rodrigo has formally added her perspective to the increasing number of famous individuals commenting on the current humanitarian disaster in Gaza, and she is being very direct.
In a sincere and heartfelt Instagram story shared Saturday, the Guts vocalist discussed the suffering of Palestinian citizens with direct honesty, stating:
“Words cannot express the sorrow I experience observing the destruction being inflicted on innocent individuals in Palestine. Mothers, fathers, and children in Gaza are experiencing starvation, dehydration, and are being refused fundamental medical attention and humanitarian assistance.”
Rodrigo went on, criticizing the worldwide inability to safeguard innocent lives:
“No child in Israel, Palestine, or anywhere globally should have to suffer through what we’re seeing these children forced to endure. It is appalling and utterly unacceptable. To abandon them is to abandon our collective humanity.”
The 21-year-old musical sensation finished her declaration with a request for action, revealing she had donated to UNICEF USA and urging her 36 million followers to do likewise:
“I have provided a contribution to UNICEF to aid in supporting the victims of this terrible situation and encourage you to do the same if you are able.”
Accompanying her declaration, Rodrigo included a link to the UNICEF USA website, an entity that has been offering humanitarian support to Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank since the early 1980s.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Instagram Story
According to UNICEF, their efforts in the area involve access to potable water and sanitation, schooling, healthcare, mental health support, and urgent assistance. Since the increase in the conflict, their personnel in Gaza and Jerusalem have been operating under harsh conditions to provide support and protect children amidst what the UN has consistently described as “a humanitarian catastrophe.”
A History of Advocacy
This isn’t the initial instance of Rodrigo adopting a strong position on human rights. Her developing image as one of Gen Z’s most socially conscious celebrities is based on a lengthy record of activism that includes reproductive rights, educational opportunities, immigrant rights, and racial equality.
Rodrigo has:
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Supported reproductive freedom following the reversal of Roe v. Wade
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Advertised girls’ education and immigrant rights through various nonprofit collaborations
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Encouraged fans to receive vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Openly backed the Black Lives Matter movement
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Took part in the viral #NoKings protest against the monarchy in 2025
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Worked with HeadCount to encourage voter registration at her shows
Now, she’s adding Palestinian children to that list.
Varied but Powerful Reactions
Rodrigo’s declaration instantly ignited social media, generating praise, critique, and genuine responses across platforms. Her choice to speak out, while carefully phrased to recognize children on both sides of the conflict, received a broad range of reactions.
Some fans were touched by her bravery:
“Olivia Rodrigo always knew u were the realest bitch in the industry,” one user tweeted.
“I don’t want to hear anyone again speak on Olivia Rodrigo’s name that she isn’t a good person or do anything,” wrote another.
Others, however, criticized the timing and wording of her message:
“It’s been a year and a half since Israel began their genocide in Gaza. It’s disappointing that it took Olivia Rodrigo this long to speak out and she still had to mention Israel in her post,” one user commented, reflecting ongoing tensions over celebrity silence and “bothsidesism.”
But many also highlighted the importance of a mainstream American pop star with Rodrigo’s level of recognition taking any stance at all:
“Olivia Rodrigo making her humanitarian stance known at her very young age in an industry of so-called activists and bullies. THIS IS THE NEW GENERATION,” one user tweeted emphatically.
How Many People Have Died in Gaza since October 7, 2023?
Details regarding the count of deaths in the Gaza war differ based on the source and date of the report. The Gaza Health Ministry, which is managed by Hamas, states that a minimum of 57,762 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and July 9, 2025. Independent researchers estimate that 80% of these deaths are civilians.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a comparable figure, citing at least 57,680 deaths over the same period.
Regarding child victims, UNICEF indicated that over 14,500 children have been killed in Gaza since the war’s start. The Gaza Ministry of Health places that number even higher, reporting that at least 17,400 children have died in Israeli attacks since October 2023.
Rodrigo’s declaration arrives at a time when remaining silent is no longer viable for public figures with worldwide platforms, particularly those admired by millions of young followers.
The post Olivia Rodrigo Speaks Out for Palestine: “To Give Up on Them Is to Give Up on Our Shared Humanity” appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
