Palestine

Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid is facing widespread criticism online for visiting the United Arab Emirates to launch her perfume brand in the region on Sunday, amid calls to boycott the Gulf state for its role in Sudan's war.

Known for her vocal support of various social causes, and in particular, her outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian people and protest against the genocide in Gaza, the 29-year-old is being accused of hypocrisy and performative activism.

Sudanese and other human rights advocates have been calling for the international community to avoid trips to the UAE and stop purchasing from Emirati-linked brands over the Gulf state’s backing of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is accused of massacres and abuses in Sudan’s devastating war.