MADONNA STANDS WITH ISRAEL

War in the Middle East erupted Saturday (10/7) after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. As the country is thrust into a state of emergency, artists including Madonna are using their platforms to speak out about the conflict.

"What is happening in Israel is devastating," she wrote on Instagram Sunday (10/8). "Watching all of these families and especially children being herded, assaulted and murdered in the streets is heartbreaking. Imagine if this was happening to you? It’s unfathomable.

"Conflicts can never be resolved with violence. Unfortunately, humanity does not understand this universal truth. Has never understood it. We live in a world ravaged by hate. My heart goes out to Israel. To families whose homes have been destroyed. To children who are lost. To innocent victims who have been killed. To all who are suffering or who will suffer from this conflict, I'm praying for you."

Per NPR, Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Jonathan Conricus said that roughly 700 people have been killed—including nine U.S. citizens—and more than 2,100 wounded in the attacks. Reports estimate that 150 have been taken hostage.

Madonna concluded that the Israel-Gaza conflict will "only cause more suffering for everyone."