Bollywood finally shows spine: Actors, Directors slam Israel for Rafah bombing
Netizens slam Khans of Bollywood for silence over Israeli actions
Mumbai: Several prominent Indian celebrities have publicly condemned the recent Israeli bombardment in Gaza's far-southern Rafah region, which resulted in the deaths of 45 individuals, according to Palestinian officials. This attack, which Gaza medics report left hundreds of civilians with shrapnel and burn wounds, has drawn significant international criticism.
South Indian star Samantha expressed her outrage over Israel's attack on Rafah through a series of Instagram stories. Similarly, actor Swara Bhasker, known for her vocal support of Palestinian rights, shared multiple Instagram stories conveying her anger and frustration regarding the attack. “We live in a world that expects us to have a balanced response to babies being beheaded and burnt alive in tents! There are no words, only curses in my heart for those who did this, enabled this, abetted this, funded this, supported this, and made a narrative to normalize this,” she wrote.
Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh also took to Instagram to share her distress, posting, “Came across a really disturbing video of beheaded children in Rafah. One cannot just ignore this anymore. When will this end!” Meanwhile, Malaika Arora posted on her Instagram story, stating, “There is no such thing as killing children legally.”
Other Bollywood personalities, including director Atlee and actors Varun Dhawan, Virdas, Sonam Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz, Anjum Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Tripti Dimri, Konkona Sen Sharma, Hansika Motwani, Dia Mirza, and Nora Fatehi, also voiced their support for Gaza on social media. Singers Raftaar and Yoyo Honey Singh joined in, using their platforms to call attention to the crisis.
TV actor Aly Goni shared an "All eyes on Rafah" post on his Instagram Stories and highlighted reports of Israel bombing Rafah 60 times in 48 hours after an International Court of Justice order. Gauahar Khan posted about the attack, emphasizing the plight of mothers in Gaza, saying, “Tonight, mothers in Gaza will again hold their children and hope they sleep. And they, and we, will pray that they wake.”
Despite the wave of support from many in Bollywood, some netizens criticized prominent actors Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan for their silence on the issue.
In response to the international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the strike as a "tragic accident" but reaffirmed that he will continue the military campaign against Hamas, following the group's October 7 attack and the hostage crisis.
Thread of celebrities with a spine who dared to show solidarity for Rafah.
— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) May 28, 2024
1. Swara Bhasker pic.twitter.com/vRAR70YMgn
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
