Bono calls for Israel to be 'released from Benjamin Netanyahu' in plea to 'stop war'

Irish rock star Bono has called for Israel to be "released from Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right fundamentalists." He made these comments during an awards ceremony. This is the first time he has publicly criticized the Israeli prime minister since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, received the Peace Summit Award at the Ivors. He also urged Hamas to release its remaining Israeli hostages. His remarks come as Western leaders criticize Mr. Netanyahu and Israel over their renewed offensive in Palestinian territories.

Bono spoke at London's Grosvenor House on Thursday evening. He said, "Peace creates possibilities in the most intractable situations." He added, "Hamas release the hostages. Stop the war." Bono continued, "Israel be released from Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right fundamentalists that twist your sacred texts."

He emphasized protecting aid workers, calling them "the best of us." At this event, Bono and his fellow U2 members received an award from pop star Ed Sheeran. The group became the first Irish songwriters to earn an academy fellowship at this 70th anniversary of the awards.

U2 performed their song "Sunday Bloody Sunday," which references the 1972 shootings in Londonderry. They ended their performance with their 1988 song "Angel Of Harlem."

On Thursday, Mr. Netanyahu responded to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's call for peace. He stated that Starmer was "on the wrong side of humanity." In a social media video, Netanyahu also criticized leaders from France and Canada for their comments on Israel's actions.

He linked this criticism to recent killings of Israeli embassy workers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim in Washington DC on Wednesday night.