77th annual Cannes Film Festival nears its conclusion, the red carpet once again transformed into a runway for the premiere of L’Amour Ouf (Beating Hearts) on Thursday evening. Leading the glamour was none other than Bella Hadid, who has consistently captivated audiences with her elegance throughout the season, and she did not disappoint at the film’s official launch on the Croisette.
The American supermodel, aged 27, exuded charm in a sweeping black evening gown featuring a plunging décolletage, a sight that dazzled photographers upon her arrival.
Earlier in the day, Bella made a notable statement in solidarity with war-torn Palestine amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. She stepped out wearing a dress crafted from a Keffiyeh, a garment imbued with significance among pro-Palestinian activists outside of the Middle East and North Africa. The Keffiyeh symbolizes unity with Palestinians in their struggle against Israel.
Bella, with her Palestinian father Mohamed Hadid and Dutch mother Yolanda Hadid, subtly acknowledged her heritage while gracing the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday.
This show of support follows a recent fact-checking incident involving Bella. Previously, she posted images taken in a Syrian refugee camp, expressing support for Gaza and Palestinians. The photos, however, lacked context, leading Instagram to add a disclaimer pointing out their origin in Syria, not Palestine.
Despite the controversy, Bella’s activism persists. Her Instagram post, garnering over 1.6 million likes, featured footage from Little Palestine, Diary of a Siege, depicting the aftermath of Assad’s siege in Yarmouk, once the largest Palestinian refugee camp globally.
Bella’s advocacy for Palestine is not new. Last November, she shared similar images from Syria, falsely claiming they were from Gaza during the ongoing conflict with Israel. Syrian-Americans, however, criticized her for the misleading portrayal.
Bella’s older sister, Gigi, faced backlash last year for a similar misstep, highlighting the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the scrutiny public figures face when wading into such contentious issues.
Addressing the conflict publicly for the first time in October last year, Bella emphasized the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She condemned terrorist attacks on civilians while mourning the loss of innocent lives on both sides of the conflict.
Bella’s impassioned plea for compassion and understanding resonated with many, shedding light on the generational trauma her family has endured due to the conflict in the Middle East. Her poignant words underscored the importance of standing together in defense of humanity and demanding accountability from political leaders.
In conclusion, Bella Hadid’s presence on the Cannes red carpet not only epitomizes glamour but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about pressing global issues, including the plight of Palestinians in the ongoing conflict with Israel.