Bono Urges Action from Israel’s Prime Minister
Bono, the frontman of U2, recently shifted his focus away from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to take those held captive by Hamas and work towards ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
During a speech in London, he outlined several geopolitical conditions for accepting awards. Bono stressed the importance of Israel taking action and mentioned that he seeks liberation from what he termed the far-right fundamentalists who distort sacred texts.
This call for action came just two days after he criticized the Trump administration over cuts to USAID.
Attending the 2025 IVOR Novello Songwriting Awards, Bono received an Ivors Academy fellowship. He’s previously been honored with France’s highest cultural award and the Order of Honor.
While accepting awards, Bono introduced a performance of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and shared, “This song isn’t just about rebellion. It reflects the belief that achieving peace was—and still is—a rebellious act. Many might find that to be an absurd notion.” He went on, emphasizing that peace opens up new possibilities, even in challenging situations.
The Dublin-born musician, now 65, continued, stating, “Hamas needs to release hostages and end this war. Only then can you break free from Israel, Netanyahu, and those fundamentalists who misinterpret your sacred texts.”
Bono also addressed the need for protection for aid workers, reflecting on the turmoil and urging divine forgiveness for humanity’s conflicts, expressing weariness from the struggles of people who share a common ancestry.
