Ed Sheeran calls Israel's treatment of Gazans 'unjustifiable,' apologizes for Macklemore controversy

Ed Sheeran addressed the Israel-Palestine conflict during a concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, the first show since a controversy erupted over US rapper Macklemore's removal from the tour. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Gaza, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths, was described by Sheeran as "horrific." He also called Israel's subsequent war in Gaza, which killed over 70,000 people, "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate."

Sheeran further condemned the "systemic injustice" in the occupied West Bank, where Israel is expanding Jewish settlements, a move the United Nations has called a "flagrant violation of international law."

In light of the controversy, Sheeran expressed his disappointment and admitted to making difficult decisions, apologizing for any mistakes. This stance contrasts with his earlier claim on Instagram that concert audiences "do not expect a political forum." The tour faced backlash when Macklemore was dropped as a supporting act after he said "Free Palestine" during a US Loop Tour in New Jersey.

Sheeran denied responsibility, attributing the issue to venues threatening to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the tour. Subsequently, several other acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Sheeran's backing band. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field before Sheeran's concert, holding Palestinian flags and chanting "Free, free Palestine."

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) called for a boycott of Sheeran's world tour.