### Zadie Smith Faces Criticism After Signing Gaza Ceasefire Letter

**Author's Past Comments Stir Controversy Despite Support for Ceasefire**

Prominent author Zadie Smith is under fire after signing a letter urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a move that has reignited backlash over her previous comments about pro-Palestinian protests. The letter, signed by 380 writers and organizations on Wednesday, labels Israeli actions in Gaza as "genocidal" and calls for an end to the violence. Esteemed figures such as Ian McEwan, Russell T Davies, and Hanif Kureishi also signed the letter.

The letter asserts that the situation in Gaza, deemed "genocide" by international legal experts and human rights groups, is beyond debate. Other notable signatories include William Dalrymple, Jeanette Winterson, and Elif Shafak. Concurrently, another letter was sent to the UK government by 300 artists, doctors, activists, and academics, appealing to Prime Minister Keir Starmer to halt UK involvement in Gaza war crimes. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Gary Lineker are among the advocates.

While the letters have garnered support from several social media users who applaud the calls for a ceasefire, critics argue that actions from some of the signatories, particularly Smith, are too little, too late. Social media has been quick to point out Smith’s previous remarks during an interview with The New Yorker on May 4, 2024, where she suggested that language and rhetoric around the Israel-Palestine conflict are as destructive as weapons of mass destruction. Critics claim these comments served to delegitimize and criminalize pro-Palestinian protests.

Many online detractors accuse Smith of attempting to distance herself from her prior controversial stance to salvage her reputation. Opponents argue she once helped to "manufacture consent" for silencing Palestine solidarity protests and is now seeking to rewrite her role in the narrative.

Aside from the widespread criticism of Smith, the letters have drawn attention to broader questions of consistency and accountability among influential figures advocating for Palestine. They highlight the increasing pressure on public figures to remain consistent in their stances on issues as significant as the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The reaction to these recent letters underscores the ongoing volatility of public opinion on the conflict and the high stakes for those who choose to voice their views. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the role of artists and intellectuals in advocating for justice and peace remains as contentious as ever.