Gaza Children Thank Macklemore for 'Standing With Palestine,' Promise 'Special Gift' After Ed Sheeran Tour Ouster

Children in Gaza have sent an emotional message of support to Macklemore after the rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour following his outspoken pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.

In a video shared by humanitarian platform Echo of the Survivors, the children thanked Macklemore for continuing to speak about Palestinians despite professional repercussions.

'We know they tried to silence you. We know you lost work because you stood with Palestine,' they said.

The children also promised the Seattle rapper a handmade surprise if their message reaches him. 'Thank you for supporting us and standing with Palestine. Macklemore, stay strong!' they added.

Gaza Children Promise Macklemore a 'Special Gift'

Echo of the Survivors accompanied the video with a message thanking Macklemore for choosing what it described as 'humanity over silence'.

The Gaza-based organisation says it works with children physically and psychologically affected by the war, providing programmes in psychological support, media training, creative expression and youth leadership.

'We hope this message reaches you, and stay tuned for our special gift coming your way soon,' the group wrote.

The tribute comes days after Macklemore's removal from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour triggered further fallout across the tour.

'Free Palestine' Speech Sparked Tour Dispute

Macklemore had been scheduled to support Sheeran at eight remaining US stadium shows. During performances at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on 4 and 5 September, he used his set to express support for Palestinians and introduced his protest track Hind's Hall with calls of 'Free Palestine'.

At the second show, Macklemore stressed that his criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people. Messina Touring Group later said multiple upcoming venues had informed promoters they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the bill, potentially jeopardising the wider tour.

Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, helped rally opposition from venues.

Kraft acknowledged barring Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's recent stage presentation and what he called a 'broader history of rhetoric and imagery' that had been 'deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community'. The rapper has rejected suggestions that his advocacy for Palestinians is antisemitic.

Sheeran Says Decision Was Not His

Sheeran later said Macklemore's removal was ultimately the promoter's decision and that he spent days speaking with venues and activists to find a compromise.

'I am not complicit,' Sheeran wrote, explaining that he prefers his concerts not to become political forums while saying he respected Macklemore's determination to speak about his beliefs.

The controversy grew further when supporting acts Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe withdrew from upcoming appearances in solidarity with Macklemore, while Irish band Beoga also pulled out of Sheeran's tour.

'Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,' Finneas wrote when announcing his departure.

For the children appearing in the Gaza video, however, the dispute was far more personal than a disagreement over concert politics. Their message to Macklemore was simple: they had heard him speaking about them from thousands of miles away, and wanted him to know they were listening too.