Shawn Mendes Urges Artists to Join Him in Speaking Out on Gaza: ‘There Is a Genocide Happening Before Our Eyes’

Shawn Mendes has spoken out about the situation in Gaza for the first time, opening a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday (Nov. 12) with “FREE PALESTINE.”

“There is a genocide happening before our eyes,” the singer wrote. “The senseless killing in Gaza must stop. The children and families in Palestine have suffered for far too long, and they need our help.”

Mendes said he has been “working on educating myself and learning as much as I can to understand where and how I can make a difference.” He encouraged people to contribute to organizations including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Watermelon Pictures and the Woven Futures Fund. Addressing his “fellow artists,” he acknowledged how “scary” it can be “to speak up.”

“I feel it now as I type this,” he added. “I also feel the need to do something to help. The more of us that use our voice, the closer we are to change. If you agree please search your heart, find your courage and do what you can to help. These children in Palestine have had to be brave for too long. It’s our turn to do the same now.”

The Billboard Hot 100-topping musician concluded, “Let’s normalize speaking up and standing up for those suffering from oppression.”

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, as reported by the Associated Press, more than 74,000 people have died in Israel’s war against Hamas in the three years since the terrorist group attacked and killed approximately 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023. A ceasefire was brokered in October 2025, but Reuters reported Thursday that Israel has continued its attacks on Hamas, which has yet to be disarmed, killing an additional 1,600 Palestinians.

The United Nations has classified Israel’s actions as a genocide against Palestinians, a characterization Israel and its allies, including the United States, have denied. Olivia Rodrigo, Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and Dua Lipa are among the celebrities who have continued to amplify calls to end the killings of Palestinians in Gaza. Macklemore recently played three arena dates on his Free Palestine Tour, featuring guest artists including Hozier and Kneecap.

Read Mendes’ full statement below.

Source: Billboard