Ed Sheeran speaks out on dropping Macklemore from tour, says it was promoters' decision

Stadium magnate Robert Kraft and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran have pledged to contribute a combined $2 million ($2.8 million) for aid in Gaza, following rapper Macklemore's appeal to donate his earnings from recent tour performances to Palestinian charities. Macklemore revealed that he will donate $1 million ($1.4 million) from his earnings during the two shows he played on the Loop tour, intended to refocus attention on the Palestinian people suffering from military occupation and fighting for their freedom.

Upon hearing Macklemore's pledge, Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, immediately decided to match the donation, doubling the initial $2 million commitment after Sheeran's encouragement. The funds will be allocated to several Palestinian aid organizations, including the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid Palestine, UNRWA, and Anera.

Sheeran plans to approach other venue owners to match donations and work towards fostering greater understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. The billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, who has dedicated over $1 billion to philanthropic causes, emphasized that Palestinian lives are no less valuable than any other life on Earth.