In a recent Instagram story, Jolie reposted a message from the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders, which described Gaza as a "mass grave"—not only for Palestinians but also for aid workers trying to help them.

The post spotlighted the relentless Israeli air, land, and sea assaults on Gaza that have intensified since October 7, 2023, devastating civilian infrastructure and claiming thousands of lives. It also criticized the continued blockade, which has obstructed the flow of critical humanitarian aid into the besieged region, worsening the humanitarian catastrophe.

Jolie’s message sparked backlash from far-right Israeli supporters online, but her decades-long advocacy for human rights and displaced communities lent strong credibility to her stance. As a former UNHCR goodwill ambassador and special envoy, she has consistently spoken out about the violence in Gaza, urging the global community to act.

Since the start of the current conflict, more than 51,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed. Israeli strikes have razed homes, hospitals, and schools, leaving much of Gaza in ruins.

International legal institutions have begun responding to the crisis. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Separately, Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), amplifying global scrutiny of its military campaign.