Ed Sheeran addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza during a concert held Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, marking his first public statement on the issue since dismissing rapper Macklemore from his tour. The singer expressed strong criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “unjustifiable” and highlighting the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

In an emotional speech at the start of his performance, Sheeran acknowledged the complexity of the political situation while emphasizing the human suffering on both sides. “I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics,” he said. However, he added that the recent escalation made it impossible for him to remain silent.

Sheeran referred to the violence in Israel and Gaza, including the attacks at a music festival on October 7, as “horrific” and connected current events to a long history of Jewish suffering. At the same time, he condemned what he described as catastrophic devastation in Gaza, calling the Israeli response “disproportionate” and expressing heartbreak over the loss of civilian lives, including children. He also mentioned the “systemic injustice” occurring in the West Bank, insisting it could not be ignored.

The crowd responded with applause, and Sheeran transitioned into a performance of his song “Castle in the Hill.” The show reportedly did not reach full capacity, possibly reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the tour.

Sheeran’s remarks came amid growing controversy over political statements made by artists on the tour. Earlier in the week, all of his opening acts withdrew after venue operators pressured him to remove Macklemore, who had vocalized support for Palestine during previous appearances.

Concert attendees expressed mixed reactions, with some praising Sheeran’s candidness. David, a fan from Salt Lake City, Utah, described Sheeran’s comments as “unifying” despite the sensitive nature of the topic.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by performers navigating political discourse in the context of ongoing conflicts, as public figures balance their roles as entertainers and advocates amid deeply divisive issues.