Prince William Intervenes In Israel-Hamas War, Royal Experts Call It A 'Big Mistake'

Prince William faces backlash from royal experts and pundits after publicly calling for an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and expressing deep concern about the human cost of the conflict.

On Tuesday, the 41-year-old Prince of Wales released a rare statement addressing the crisis in the Middle East and the Gaza Strip ahead of his visit to the British Red Cross headquarters in London.

"I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on [Oct. 7]. Too many have been killed," Prince William stated in the message shared via social media, emphasizing the urgency of ending the fighting and the critical need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza.

The royal went on to say that he hopes for "an end to the fighting" and "permanent peace" as soon as possible.

"Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found and I refuse to give up on that," Prince William added.

The prince's intervention, however, sparked criticism from royal experts and pundits.

Nigel Farage, a British broadcaster and former politician, expressed his doubts in a piece published by GB News, questioning whether the future king should intervene in such a manner.

"I think he's making a very big mistake," Farage commented.

Royal biographer Tom Bower went further, describing the intervention as a "disaster for Prince William."

Speaking to GB News, Bower criticized the advisers of the heir to the British throne, stating, "I think he's been very badly advised; I think it's quite appalling."

The royal expert suggested that Kensington Palace officials should have warned Prince William to stay out of the conflict, arguing that such involvement could only end badly and politicize the monarchy's stance on the issue.

"Prince William should have been silent. Nobody needs his contribution on this issue and by intervening, he has made that whole problem far worse," Bower claimed.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson told People that Prince William has been following the region closely since his 2018 visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The spokesperson said the extent of human suffering in the current conflict led the royal to make the statement.

Prince William is not only issuing statements but also engaging in activities to show solidarity with those affected.

He plans to join a conversation at a synagogue with young advocates against hatred and antisemitism, according to People.

At the Red Cross headquarters Tuesday, Prince William learned about the organization's efforts in collaboration with Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society to provide humanitarian aid.

During the engagement, Prince William, who shares three children with wife Kate Middleton, said he was "deeply moved as a father."

The ongoing conflict -- triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken as hostages -- has resulted in a significant death toll.

According to the Associated Press, Gaza's Health Ministry reported that more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its assault on the territory.