2 June 2024: Palestinian-American supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid have donated over $1m to support Palestinian relief efforts. The two sisters, whose father is Palestinian real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, earmarked the money for equal distribution among four humanitarian organisations supporting people in Gaza, according to one of Bella’s representatives.
The four organisations are Heal Palestine, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, World Central Kitchen and UNRWA. The chosen organisations offer relief efforts that include food and medical programs, assistance to displaced people and psychological support.
Over 36,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since 7 October, most of them women and children.
Much of the Palestinian enclave’s infrastructure has been destroyed in Israeli attacks and over half of the population is at risk of famine, with 37 people having already been confirmed to have died of malnutrition and dehydration. Israel is currently facing trial at the International Court of Justice for the crime of genocide in a case brought forward by South Africa.
In an Instagram post shared in May to commemorate the Palestinian Nakba, Bella said she was “devastated at the loss of the Palestinian people and the lack of empathy coming from the government systems worldwide”.
The model also recently shared a picture of her wearing a keffiyeh dress, inspired by the traditional scarf that symbolises the Palestinian cause, and called on people to educate themselves “on the [ongoing] occupation and genocide that is happening right now in Gaza”.
“Do not be desensitised to the horror that is being endured by the Palestinian people,” she added.
Following the Hamas-led attack on 7 October, Gigi expressed solidarity with “all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy”.
“I have deep empathy and heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle and life under occupation, it’s a responsibility I hold daily,” she added.
“While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person.”
