Kylie Jenner Faces Backlash After Posting and Deleting Instagram Story in Support of Israel
Reality TV star and influencer Kylie Jenner recently found herself at the center of controversy after posting and deleting an Instagram Story expressing her support for Israel. The 26-year-old shared an image of Israel’s flag along with the text, “Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel!” The image she reshared was from the nonprofit organization StandWithUs, which aims to support Israel and combat antisemitism.
However, the post quickly garnered backlash from some of Jenner’s followers, with many expressing their support for a free Palestine in the comment section. The timing of Jenner’s post coincided with heightened tensions between Israel and Palestine, as Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Hamas after a series of attacks on Saturday.
According to Palestinian officials, the Israeli air strikes have resulted in the death of at least 313 people in the Gaza Strip, with nearly 2,000 wounded. In Israel, 300 civilians have also been killed, and dozens have been taken hostage. The situation has escalated into the deadliest day of violence in Israel in 50 years.
Under Jenner’s recent post, where she shared snaps from Paris Fashion Week, many users showed their solidarity with Palestine by posting the Palestinian flag or leaving comments like “Free Palestine.” The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a counterstrike by Israel against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip and artillery strikes against Lebanon in the disputed area of Mount Dov.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the “offensive phase” of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) response has begun. The IDF has reported more than 400 Palestinian militants killed and dozens captured, with forces engaged in various locations. The Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom, Tzipi Hotovely, blamed Iran for supporting Hamas ahead of the attack.
The conflict has caused widespread devastation, with videos and images showing the aftermath of air strikes and the destruction of buildings in Gaza City. Both sides have suffered significant casualties, and the situation remains tense as fighting continues. As of Sunday morning, Israel was still facing incursions by Hamas in multiple areas.
The controversy surrounding Jenner’s deleted Instagram Story highlights the underlying tensions and divisions when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While celebrities often use their platform to express their opinions, it is essential to consider the potential impact and context surrounding such statements, especially during times of heightened conflict.