During an awards ceremony in London, Irish rock star Bono urged for Israel to be “released from Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right fundamentalists,” marking his first public criticism of the Israeli prime minister since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. He also called on Hamas to free its remaining Israeli hostages, reflecting growing concerns among Western leaders about Netanyahu’s government and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to an extended aid blockade. Bono’s remarks came as he and U2 were honored, and he emphasized the need for peace amid the ongoing conflict.
