U2 breaks its silence on Israel-Gaza conflict with individual statements from its four members
By Redacción LoffMusic | August 11, 2025
The legendary Irish band U2 have made public their positions on the current conflict in Gaza and Israel. In an unusual gesture, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. have released individual statements, preceded by a joint message, via official social networks and their website.
“We have all been horrified by what is happening in Gaza – but the blockade of humanitarian aid and now plans for a military takeover of Gaza City have taken the conflict into uncharted territory. We are not experts on the politics of the region, but we want our audience to know where we each stand,” they said.
Bono: condemns Hamas and the Netanyahu government
In the longer text, Bono explained that for years he avoided speaking out on Middle East politics because of the complexity of the issue. However, he said he felt compelled to speak out after the massacre at the Nova festival on October 7, 2023, calling the attack “evil” and harshly criticizing Hamas and its late leader Yahya Sinwar.
The vocalist reserved his harshest condemnation for the current Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, which he accused of using hunger as a weapon of war:
“The Government of Israel is not the nation of Israel, but the Netanyahu-led Government of Israel deserves our categorical and unqualified condemnation.”
Bono reaffirmed U2’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the immediate release of the hostages, as well as a massive influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Edge: three questions to Netanyahu
Guitarist The Edge addressed his statement to Netanyahu with three key questions about Israel’s future and its policy toward Gaza and the West Bank. He warned him of the consequences of isolating the country and destroying the possibility of a two-state solution.
“A future of walls, blockades and military occupation? A state of permanent inequality?” he questioned.
Adam Clayton: preserving civilian lives is a choice
Bassist Adam Clayton focused on the destruction in Gaza and questioned the effectiveness of an army that boasts precision while causing indiscriminate devastation.
“Preserving civilian life is a choice in this war,” he sentenced.
Larry Mullen Jr.: silence is unacceptable
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. recalled the horror of the Oct. 7 attacks, but said he was dismayed by the imposition of a famine in Gaza.
“Using hunger as a weapon of war is inhumane and criminal,” he said, lamenting the lack of outrage both within Israel and in the diaspora.
A rare public stance
Although U2 has historically been active in humanitarian causes, rarely have its four members issued individual statements on an ongoing conflict. The common message: support for peaceful coexistence, condemnation of violence against civilians on any side, and an urgent call for negotiation.
