Sports stars who have spoken out on the Israel-Hamas conflict

The world is watching in horror as the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalates following the Hamas attacks on Israel over the weekend. A complicated and troubling situation that continues to have serious consequences for all involved.

Numerous high-profile athletes have since spoken out against the violence and thrown support towards those in the midst of this highly divisive conflict. Read on to see who has spoken out on the war in the sporting world.

Belgian and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose wife is Israeli posted on Instagram that he was "deeply saddened by the current situation. My sincere love and support goes out to my friends and family in Israel, with the hope that this nightmare ends soon.”

The Washington Wizards, who feature the NBA’s sole Israeli player, Deni Avdija on their roster, posted that they “stand with the people of Israel.” Avdija himself said on Instagram that he had personal connections with people who had been affected by the conflict.

Major League Baseball issued a statement on their social media on Monday stating that the organization is “horrified by the acts of terrorism committed against the people of Israel” and is “heartbroken for the people of Israel.”

Baltimore Orioles Israeli pitcher Dean Kremer, who was born in California to Israeli parents and has played for Team Israel in international tournaments also voiced his anguish at the situation. “There are no words. My heart just got ripped to shreds,” he posted alongside the MLB statement. 

Detroit Lions player Alex Anzalone spoke to the Detroit News about how the conflict has affected him. His parents are currently in Jerusalem, and is asking the US government to help them safely evacuate. “It’s hard,” Anzalone said. “(It’s) really all I’ve been thinking about.”

While Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla spoke about the war during his pregame press conference on Sunday, saying, “there should be a lot of thoughts and prayers” for Israelis.

“I went this past year and I went in 2016,” Mazzulla said. “It doesn’t matter what you are, whether you’re a Muslim, whether you’re Jewish or Christian, Israeli or Palestinian. They’re people and they go through a lot of dangerous times and situations. Our country is 400 years old and they’ve been going through suffering for 10,000 years. You start to see the perspective of the world, and it’s a really, really tough area to be. So I think we should all be aware of that.”

It hasn’t all been support for Israel, as a number of other athletes have come out in support of Palestine.

“People asked me to show booth sides…I’d love to but I can’t..there’s only one side. I looked and read read and looked but to no avail. Only one side is occupying illegally. There are no Palestinian checkpoints for Israelis. No Palestinian snipers in Tel Aviv. Palestinians are not supported by the US – or anyone for that matter,” boxer Younes Bendjima wrote in an Instagram story.

US Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad shared a quote from Malcolm X which read: "If you are not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."  

Australian Rugby league star Josh Addo-Carr also posted in support of Palestine on Monday, sharing a graphic that likened the plight of the Palestinian people with that of indigenous Australians who had traditional land stolen from them.

Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams found himself in the midst of controversy when he liked and shared a post that stated Hamas should be considered freedom fighters, not terrorisst. He also posted ‘Praying for Gaza!" accompanied with a Palestinian flag, to his instagram account

While Arsenal and Ukrainian full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko found himself in controversy from the opposite side when he reposted an image from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs featuring the Star of David. Alongside the image, his story read: 'I stand with Israel.'

In fact, so complex and divisive is this ongoing situation that no matter which side you support it's bound to cause some level of controversy.

Given the highly emotional nature of the events, it's natural people are going to feel the need to speak out for their beliefs – regardless of what it might do to their reputation. With things looking unlikely to simmer any time soon, there are sure to be more names coming forward.