In a recent advertising campaign, the fashion giant Zara sparked controversy by sharing images reminiscent of scenes depicting Palestinian suffering amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel.
The campaign, featuring the Zara Atelier collection with model Kristen McMenamy, depicts her surrounded by mannequins draped in white shrouds amidst debris and rubble. Social media quickly erupted with accusations against Zara, alleging that the imagery resembled the hardships faced by Palestinians amid Israeli oppression.
Following the backlash, the most contentious image, featuring McMenamy holding a ‘body’ wrapped in white sheets, was reportedly removed from Zara’s social media platforms. Outraged internet users criticized Zara for what they perceived as insensitivity, using tragic imagery to sell fashion items, and condemned the timing of the campaign during the ongoing conflict.
Calls for a boycott gained momentum, with users expressing dismay over what they saw as Zara’s exploitation of a humanitarian crisis. The controversy added to existing grievances against Zara, with some referencing past allegations of racial profiling in their stores. Critics argue that this campaign is not an isolated incident but part of Zara’s history of insensitivity and alleged support for Israeli extremism.
The uproar against Zara’s campaign intensified as many individuals and groups advocated for a boycott, citing the fashion label’s alleged exploitation of human suffering for commercial gain.
Yemen’s Houthis Say They Attacked Israeli Ships In Red Sea
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has acknowledged reports of attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels, Unity Explorer and Number Nine.
The Houthi spokesperson stated that the ships were targeted for rejecting warnings, citing the Yemeni people’s demands and calls from Islamic nations to support the Palestinian cause.
The USS Carney, according to a US official, successfully intercepted drones in multiple engagements. Other sources reported drone attacks on a bulk carrier and a container ship in the Red Sea, with the latter sustaining damage near Hodeidah, Yemen. Last month, the Houthis seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, and there have been previous Houthi attacks on Israeli vessels.
