Canadian singer Shawn Mendes accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ in Gaza, calls for donations

Canadian singer Shawn Mendes accused Israel of genocide in Gaza in an Instagram post, calling for donations to Palestinian aid organizations. Israel denied the accusation, citing IDF precautions and Hamas's use of human shields. Pro-Israel activist Hen Mazzig criticized Mendes for omitting Hamas from his statement.

Canadian singer Shawn Mendes accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza in a statement posted to his 68 million Instagram followers on Thursday. The 28-year-old singer wrote, "Free Palestine. There is a genocide happening before our eyes," and called for an end to the "senseless killing." He encouraged his followers to educate themselves and donated to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Watermelon Pictures, and the Woven Futures Fund. Israel has denied the genocide accusation, with the IDF stating it takes measures to avoid civilian harm and accusing Hamas of using human shields. Pro-Israel activist Hen Mazzig criticized Mendes for not mentioning Hamas. Mendes previously performed at an Artists for Aid concert in January 2026.