Archive August 8, 2025

How the world is reacting to Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City, triggering growing international condemnation, with world leaders warning of dire humanitarian consequences.

The plan to take over Gaza’s largest city was announced on Friday, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intended to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip.

Israel’s plan to expand its assault on Gaza is expected to worsen the humanitarian devastation in the besieged enclave, triggering a wave of mass displacement amid a hunger crisis.

Here is how the world is reacting to the Israeli plan:

UN rights chief

“The Israeli Government’s plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted,” the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Friday.

“It runs contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice that Israel must bring its occupation to an end as soon as possible, to the realisation of the agreed two-State solution and to the right of Palestinians to self-determination,” Turk added.

Palestinian presidency

The Palestinian presidency condemned Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel intends to seize full control of the Gaza Strip.

“This is a complete crime,” the Presidency said, describing it as a continuation of “genocide, systematic killing, starvation and siege,” in report carried the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

It warned that Israel’s actions would lead to an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”

Hamas

Hamas warned that the Israeli government’s decision to escalate the war would amount to “sacrificing” the captives being held in Gaza.

“The decision to occupy Gaza confirms that the criminal Netanyahu and his Nazi government do not care about the fate of their captives,” the group said in a statement. “They understand that expanding the aggression means sacrificing them.”

Turkish foreign ministry

Turkiye said the decision to take control of Gaza City aimed to forcibly displace Palestinians and called for international leaders to prevent the plan from being carried out.

“We call on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities to prevent the implementation of this decision, which aims to forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land,” Turkiye’s foreign ministry said, according to Reuters.

British prime minister

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel’s decision to step up military operations in Gaza “wrong” and called for restraint.

“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately,” he said.

“This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed.”

China’s foreign ministry

China expressed “serious concerns” over Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City and urged it to “immediately cease its dangerous actions”.

“Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,” a foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP in a message.

“The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire,” they added.

German chancellor

Chanceller Friedrich Merz said Germany will not authorise any exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice”.

“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” he said.

“Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”

Sweden foreign minister

Sweden’s foreign minister said the Israeli government’s decision to escalate the assault on Gaza would make it harder to reach a truce.

“I view with great concern the decision that the Israeli government has made,” Maria Malmer Stenergard told Swedish broadcaster SVT on Friday. “We need a ceasefire and this decision risks taking the development in the opposite direction.”

“I have previously reiterated that any attempt to annex, change or reduce the territory of Gaza would violate international law,” she said.

Australian foreign minister

Responding to Netanyahu’s remarks that Israel’s military would take control of the entire Gaza Strip, Canberra warned that the expansion would deepen the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

“Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international law,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, as she renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.

“With international partners, Australia maintains our call for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and aid to flow unimpeded,” she said.

Wong also reiterated Australia’s growing support for Palestinian statehood, stating it was a matter of “when, not if”.

Finland’s foreign minister

Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning of a looming famine.

“We hope for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and the immediate release of Israeli hostages,” Valtonen said, according to Reuters.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad

The Palestinian armed group Islamic Jihad said Israel’s plans to expand its assault on Gaza were “a new chapter in the war of extermination.”

In a statement, the group said: “The Zionist entity’s government is preparing to escalate its massacres in Gaza,” adding that “we hold Arab governments and the West responsible for curbing this escalation.”

It accused Netanyahu of pushing for “forced displacement,” saying his “escalation, fully supported by the Trump administration, aims to occupy the Gaza Strip.”

Netherlands foreign minister

The Netherlands’ foreign minister criticised Israel’s plan to expand its military campaign in Gaza, calling it “a wrong move”.

“The plan of the Netanyahu government to intensify Israeli operations in Gaza is a wrong move,” Caspar Veldkamp wrote on X. “The (Gaza) humanitarian situation is catastrophic and demands immediate improvement. This decision in no way contributes to this and will also not help to get the hostages home.”

Saudi foreign ministry

Riyadh condemned any Israeli move to take control of Gaza, according to a foreign ministry statement.

The kingdom “categorically denounces Israeli occupation authorities’ persistence in committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing against the brotherly Palestinian people,” it said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of EU’s executive branch, said Israel must reconsider its plan to take control of Gaza City.

“The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,” she wrote on X.

Danish foreign minister

Israel’s decision to intensify its military operation in Gaza is wrong and should immediately be reversed, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told Denmark’s TV2.

Jordanian foreign ministry

The foreign ministry in Amman “condemned, in the strongest terms, the plan” approved by Israel that “aims to entrench its occupation of the Gaza Strip and expand full military control over it”.

The statement also accused Israel of committing “grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law”, and undermining “the two-state solution and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital”.

Spanish foreign minister

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said: “We firmly condemn the decision of the Israeli government to escalate the military occupation of Gaza. It will only cause more destruction and suffering.”

He added that “a permanent ceasefire, the immediate and massive entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages are urgently needed.”

Belgium’s foreign ministry

Belgian foreign minister summoned the Israeli ambassador citing the announced plan to occupy Gaza City and take military control of Gaza.

The ministry said Belgium wanted to “express (its) total disapproval of this decision, but also of the continued colonization … and the desire to annex the West Bank,” adding that it will “vigorously advocate” for a reversal of this decision.

“Following the official confirmation by the Israeli government of its intention to encircle and then occupy Gaza City and take military control of the entire Gaza Strip, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has decided to summon the Israeli Ambassador,” it said.

Israel’s opposition leader

Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the decision to seize Gaza City.

“This is a disaster which will lead to many more disasters,” he posted on X, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of caving to pressure from far-right ministers. He said the move ignored military advice and the exhaustion of troops.

This Morning’s Emma Willis wears on sale tailored waistcoat from Kate Middleton-loved brand

This Morning’s Emma Willis nails smart tailoring in a mint green waistcoat from a Kate Middleton-approved brand, and the exact style is now in the sale

Emma Willis’ on sale tailored co-ord is from a Kate Middleton-approved brand(Image: ITV)

If there’s one thing Emma Willis never misses, it’s a chic on-screen outfit, and her latest This Morning look is no exception. The presenter stepped out in a perfectly tailored mint green waistcoat from ME+EM, the luxury British label that’s also a favourite of Kate Middleton.

Known for its sleek tailoring, elevated basics, and versatile designs, ME+EM is a go-to for women who want elevated wardrobe staples that work for pretty much every occasion.

And the best part? Emma’s Lightweight Tailored Waistcoat is currently on sale. Normally priced at £195, this sorbet shade waistcoat is now £136.50, which is a huge 30% discount.

With its fresh pastel tone, flattering tailored fit, and high-quality finish, it’s one of those finds that can be worn for days in the office, at brunch with your friends, or dressed down with jeans. Whether you’re already a ME+EM fan or looking to invest in your first piece from the brand, this is the perfect chance to snap up celebrity-approved style for less.

READ MORE: I copied Emma Willis ‘ This Morning style for work with a £36 version of her £165 stripe shirt

READ MORE: Abbott Lyon’s ‘ delicate ‘ gold necklace looks just like Burberry for over £400 less

Emma Willis on This Morning and ME + EM model
This tailored piece is such a versatile addition to your wardrobe(Image: ITV / ME + EM)

Emma styled the waistcoat in her signature refined and androgynous way, pairing the piece with its matching trousers. The Wide-Leg Tailored Trouser are also on sale, for an even larger discount than the waistcoat. Down from £225, these trousers are now 50% off bringing their price down to £112.50.

That means you can snag the entire outfit for £249 instead of its usual £420.

Emma is has previously shared her love for ME + EM, and has been sporting the brand all week during her This Morning stint. Earlier, she was wearing a Parisian-inspired white and black pinstripe waistcoat and matching wide-leg trousers from the brand.

Article continues below

And just yesterday, she was wearing the Me and Em Cotton Stripe Relaxed Forever Shirt, which co-host Joel Dommett joked gave “Supply teacher vibes”. This shirt is low in stock, but our senior shopping writer, Faith, has found a £36 alternative that looks just as good. The shirt in question is the Stripe Oversized Shirt from Anthology.

This Morning’s Emma Willis wears on sale tailored waistcoat from Kate Middleton-loved brand

This Morning’s Emma Willis nails smart tailoring in a mint green waistcoat from a Kate Middleton-approved brand, and the exact style is now in the sale

Emma Willis’ on sale tailored co-ord is from a Kate Middleton-approved brand(Image: ITV)

If there’s one thing Emma Willis never misses, it’s a chic on-screen outfit, and her latest This Morning look is no exception. The presenter stepped out in a perfectly tailored mint green waistcoat from ME+EM, the luxury British label that’s also a favourite of Kate Middleton.

Known for its sleek tailoring, elevated basics, and versatile designs, ME+EM is a go-to for women who want elevated wardrobe staples that work for pretty much every occasion.

And the best part? Emma’s Lightweight Tailored Waistcoat is currently on sale. Normally priced at £195, this sorbet shade waistcoat is now £136.50, which is a huge 30% discount.

With its fresh pastel tone, flattering tailored fit, and high-quality finish, it’s one of those finds that can be worn for days in the office, at brunch with your friends, or dressed down with jeans. Whether you’re already a ME+EM fan or looking to invest in your first piece from the brand, this is the perfect chance to snap up celebrity-approved style for less.

READ MORE: I copied Emma Willis’ This Morning style for work with a £36 version of her £165 stripe shirt

READ MORE: Abbott Lyon’s ‘delicate’ gold necklace looks just like Burberry for over £400 less

Emma Willis and Joel Dommett on This Morning
Emma Willis’ on sale tailored co-ord is from a Kate Middleton-approved brand(Image: ITV)

Emma styled the waistcoat in her signature refined and androgynous way, pairing the piece with its matching trousers. The Wide-Leg Tailored Trouser are also on sale, for an even larger discount than the waistcoat. Down from £225, these trousers are now 50% off bringing their price down to £112.50.

That means you can snag the entire outfit for £249 instead of its usual £420.

Emma is has previously shared her love for ME + EM, and has been sporting the brand all week during her This Morning stint. Earlier, she was wearing a Parisian-inspired white and black pinstripe waistcoat and matching wide-leg trousers from the brand.

Article continues below

And just yesterday, she was wearing the Me and Em Cotton Stripe Relaxed Forever Shirt, which co-host Joel Dommett joked gave “Supply teacher vibes”. This shirt is low in stock, but our senior shopping writer, Faith, has found a £36 alternative that looks just as good. The shirt in question is the Stripe Oversized Shirt from Anthology.

SHANNON MILLER: ‘Disliking Whitney Adebayo shouldn’t dismiss her experience of racism’

Whitney Adebayo’s alleged experience of racism in her relationship with Lochan Nowacki has sparked a viral debate but many seem to be taking their dislike of Whitney as a reason to dismiss her allegations

Whitney has faced hate after revealing that she experienced racism in her former relationship with Lochan(Image: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

Love Island stars’ Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki’s breakup has been the topic of viral debate after Whitney alleged she experienced racism during their almost two year relationship.

Things kicked off between the pair when Whitney posted a snap in a bright pink strapless bikini on a beach in Barbados. She wrote: “‘ You look happier”, before adding: “Thanks! I finally fell in love with my skin he used to call dirty”.

Rather than showing support after Whitney’s candid admission, TikTok users demanded “receipts” and evidence proving that the allegations were true.

Amid speculation over which ex Whitney made the claims against, her sister Liz shared a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp conversation with Lochan. An alleged message from Lochan read: “Please speak to Whit she is fully cone and I feel awful but I never said it thinking her skin is dirty I feel sick I crossed line with joke but she she she can’t look at me the same. I don’t know what to do Liz.”

Whitney’s sister Liz added the caption: “The fact that evidence is needed is absurd to me, why can’t women speak and be heard”?

Photo shows Whitney Adebayo lounging on a sun lounger on the beach wearing a pink strapless bikini. Writing on top of the picture reads:
Whitney made the allegation in a TikTok post(Image: Tiktok/whitneyadebay0)

READ MORE: ‘I switched my perfume to a cheaper alternative – and I’ve never had so many compliments’READ MORE: ‘Love Island is modern dating on steroids and that’s why it feels so raw’

In her now-expired Instagram story, Liz added: “I’m tired of seeing people constantly paint my sister as this person and jumping on the ‘hate Whitney’ bandwagon. I know what she went through, the fact that it took this long for her to heal and share her truth, only to be shamed, is vile. As women we’ve all stayed in situations that didn’t serve us, but when you get out, that’s when you really start to become a woman. Be kind and give grace.”

Lochan took to TikTok to share his own side as he defended himself in a five minute clip. He said: “I don’t even know really where to begin with this”. He explained that he and his family are “devastated and upset” about the allegations but feels like he had “no other choice” other than to address it on his own social media account.

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

Lochan said a year into their relationship, they were on a walk when Whitney started to show off her new nails. “She annoyingly put her nails in my face and said, ‘ My hands are so clean, yours aren’t. ‘ And I said, ‘ No they’re not, ‘” he said. Lochan added that the comment was “a very off the cuff remark” and that he felt “insulted” by the insinuation that he was “a racist”.

Comments quickly flooded in supporting him, with people writing: “We believe you! Whitney is bitter”.

In response, Whitney posted a nine-minute video saying: “Because Lochan gives off his golden retriever energy, no-one would believe he would ever say it maliciously. I have dark humour so I know when something is a joke and when something is being said seriously and spun into it’s a joke.

” I am not even here saying Lochan is a racist, I am here saying he made racial slurs towards me, “Whitney said. Addressing questions as to why she is speaking out now, the TV star replied:” I was embarrassed, I was ashamed and I didn’t feel that part of my story was something I wanted to share until now. “

She also claims that after she called him out, he apologised multiple times. Lochan has yet to respond to Whitney’s video. The Mirror has reached out to Whitney and Lochan for comment.

lochan whitney
Lochan and Whitney met on Love Island(Image: Getty Images)

This isn’t the only racially-motivated Love Island break up, we’ve seen recently. Love Island USA’s JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez revealed their split with the alleged reason worse than expected.

In an Instagram statement, JaNa wrote:” Please know that I have seen all the breakup theories and none have matched up to how terrible, disgusting and disappointing it truly is. Discovering that someone you loved isn’t who you thought they were and that the relationship you thought you were building hasn’t been genuine since day one has been truly devastating. “

Kenny also released a statement, telling his followers that the past few days had been incredibly difficult”. I’ve been quietly sitting with a lot of emotions and doing my best to process. Everything privately break ups are never easy, especially in the public eye sometimes despite how deeply you care for someone, you come to the hard truth that the relationship was not something that could last long-term.

“I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared in the memories we created. I release this chapter with no ill will only I hope that JaNa’s path forward brings her nothing but happiness”, he finished.

Fans were shocked after the reveal of Kenny's comments
Fans were shocked after the reveal of Kenny’s comments(Image: Randy Shropshire/Peacock via Get)

JaNa shared a fiery response to Kenny’s statement, writing, “@kennyrodriguez stfu you manipulative liar. You not taking accountability and telling people the type of person you really are is insane to me!! My first statement was me being nice. Do not p*** me off.” The Mirror has reached out to JaNa and Kenny for further comment.

The key difference between Whitney and JaNa’s experiences? The internet believed JaNa straight away. No one demanded proof as they did with Whitney. Both situations are horrific and traumatising, but show a clear difference in how Black women are treated in the UK – and as a Black woman myself, this has been a hard watch.

Whitney had to constantly prove herself, even after posting a nine-minute explanation video. The comments towards Whitney after she built the courage to speak out, even from other Black women, were horrible. Instead of showing support, people flooded her comments calling her “bitter”, demanding “receipts” of the incident and even asked why she didn’t leave the relationship sooner or “speak out before”.

Even now, TikTok users have claimed that Whitney “gave Lochan the ick” after changing her hairstyle, which somehow justifies the alleged racism she experienced in her relationship.

She isn’t the first woman to stay in a relationship despite hurtful comments, but it’s clear the reaction to Whitney stems from the fact that many simply don’t like her. Whitney was once a fan favourite on Love Island, but this year, public opinion has shifted.

After her appearance on the Sidemen’s Inside show, people began calling Whitney “confrontational” and “blunt” due to their opinion of her behaviour throughout the show. Whitney shared screenshots of vile racist messages she received online, showing how viewers’ hate went far beyond criticism.

Continue reading the article.

The truth is that Whitney has always been a selfless presence on both Love Island and social media. And while she may not be the palatable, baffling influencer you’re used to seeing on your feed, being against someone is not an excuse to slam their racism.

SHANNON MILLER: ‘Disliking Whitney Adebayo shouldn’t dismiss her experience of racism’

Whitney Adebayo’s alleged experience of racism in her relationship with Lochan Nowacki has sparked a viral debate but many seem to be taking their dislike of Whitney as a reason to dismiss her allegations

Whitney has faced hate after revealing that she experienced racism in her former relationship with Lochan(Image: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

Love Island stars’ Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki’s breakup has been the topic of viral debate after Whitney alleged she experienced racism during their almost two year relationship.

Things kicked off between the pair when Whitney posted a snap in a bright pink strapless bikini on a beach in Barbados. She wrote: “‘ You look happier”, before adding: “Thanks! I finally fell in love with my skin he used to call dirty”.

Rather than showing support after Whitney’s candid admission, TikTok users demanded “receipts” and evidence proving that the allegations were true.

Amid speculation over which ex Whitney made the claims against, her sister Liz shared a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp conversation with Lochan. An alleged message from Lochan read: “Please speak to Whit she is fully cone and I feel awful but I never said it thinking her skin is dirty I feel sick I crossed line with joke but she she she can’t look at me the same. I don’t know what to do Liz.”

Whitney’s sister Liz added the caption: “The fact that evidence is needed is absurd to me, why can’t women speak and be heard”?

Photo shows Whitney Adebayo lounging on a sun lounger on the beach wearing a pink strapless bikini. Writing on top of the picture reads:
Whitney made the allegation in a TikTok post(Image: Tiktok/whitneyadebay0)

READ MORE: ‘I switched my perfume to a cheaper alternative – and I’ve never had so many compliments’READ MORE: ‘Love Island is modern dating on steroids and that’s why it feels so raw’

In her now-expired Instagram story, Liz added: “I’m tired of seeing people constantly paint my sister as this person and jumping on the ‘hate Whitney’ bandwagon. I know what she went through, the fact that it took this long for her to heal and share her truth, only to be shamed, is vile. As women we’ve all stayed in situations that didn’t serve us, but when you get out, that’s when you really start to become a woman. Be kind and give grace.”

Lochan took to TikTok to share his own side as he defended himself in a five minute clip. He said: “I don’t even know really where to begin with this”. He explained that he and his family are “devastated and upset” about the allegations but feels like he had “no other choice” other than to address it on his own social media account.

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

Lochan said a year into their relationship, they were on a walk when Whitney started to show off her new nails. “She annoyingly put her nails in my face and said, ‘ My hands are so clean, yours aren’t. ‘ And I said, ‘ No they’re not, ‘” he said. Lochan added that the comment was “a very off the cuff remark” and that he felt “insulted” by the insinuation that he was “a racist”.

Comments quickly flooded in supporting him, with people writing: “We believe you! Whitney is bitter”.

In response, Whitney posted a nine-minute video saying: “Because Lochan gives off his golden retriever energy, no-one would believe he would ever say it maliciously. I have dark humour so I know when something is a joke and when something is being said seriously and spun into it’s a joke.

” I am not even here saying Lochan is a racist, I am here saying he made racial slurs towards me, “Whitney said. Addressing questions as to why she is speaking out now, the TV star replied:” I was embarrassed, I was ashamed and I didn’t feel that part of my story was something I wanted to share until now. “

She also claims that after she called him out, he apologised multiple times. Lochan has yet to respond to Whitney’s video. The Mirror has reached out to Whitney and Lochan for comment.

lochan whitney
Lochan and Whitney met on Love Island(Image: Getty Images)

This isn’t the only racially-motivated Love Island break up, we’ve seen recently. Love Island USA’s JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez revealed their split with the alleged reason worse than expected.

In an Instagram statement, JaNa wrote:” Please know that I have seen all the breakup theories and none have matched up to how terrible, disgusting and disappointing it truly is. Discovering that someone you loved isn’t who you thought they were and that the relationship you thought you were building hasn’t been genuine since day one has been truly devastating. “

Kenny also released a statement, telling his followers that the past few days had been incredibly difficult”. I’ve been quietly sitting with a lot of emotions and doing my best to process. Everything privately break ups are never easy, especially in the public eye sometimes despite how deeply you care for someone, you come to the hard truth that the relationship was not something that could last long-term.

“I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared in the memories we created. I release this chapter with no ill will only I hope that JaNa’s path forward brings her nothing but happiness”, he finished.

Fans were shocked after the reveal of Kenny's comments
Fans were shocked after the reveal of Kenny’s comments(Image: Randy Shropshire/Peacock via Get)

JaNa shared a fiery response to Kenny’s statement, writing, “@kennyrodriguez stfu you manipulative liar. You not taking accountability and telling people the type of person you really are is insane to me!! My first statement was me being nice. Do not p*** me off.” The Mirror has reached out to JaNa and Kenny for further comment.

The key difference between Whitney and JaNa’s experiences? The internet believed JaNa straight away. No one demanded proof as they did with Whitney. Both situations are horrific and traumatising, but show a clear difference in how Black women are treated in the UK – and as a Black woman myself, this has been a hard watch.

Whitney had to constantly prove herself, even after posting a nine-minute explanation video. The comments towards Whitney after she built the courage to speak out, even from other Black women, were horrible. Instead of showing support, people flooded her comments calling her “bitter”, demanding “receipts” of the incident and even asked why she didn’t leave the relationship sooner or “speak out before”.

Even now, TikTok users have claimed that Whitney “gave Lochan the ick” after changing her hairstyle, which somehow justifies the alleged racism she experienced in her relationship.

She isn’t the first woman to stay in a relationship despite hurtful comments, but it’s clear the reaction to Whitney stems from the fact that many simply don’t like her. Whitney was once a fan favourite on Love Island, but this year, public opinion has shifted.

After her appearance on the Sidemen’s Inside show, people began calling Whitney “confrontational” and “blunt” due to their opinion of her behaviour throughout the show. Whitney shared screenshots of vile racist messages she received online, showing how viewers’ hate went far beyond criticism.

Article continues below

The thing is: Whitney has always been unapologetically herself both on Love Island and across her social media. And while she may not be the palatable, easy-to-digest influencer you’re used to seeing on your feed, disliking someone isn’t an excuse to hurl racism or dismiss their experience of racism.

Premier League ends partnership with Stonewall

Getty Images

The Premier League will no longer take part in the Rainbow Laces campaign after ending its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.

The charity and the Premier League began working together in 2017 to “help further promote LGBT+ equality in football”.

As first reported by the Daily Telegraph, the Premier League now plans to launch its own inclusion campaign to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month in February.

Sources have told BBC Sport that the Premier League is continuing to work with clubs to reinforce the message that discrimination will not be tolerated and that existing education resources remain available.

“Rainbow Laces has benefited from a wide range of partners with a natural ebb and flow reflecting cultural and sporting changes”, a Stonewall spokesperson said.

“Alongside other sporting bodies the FA has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion at the grassroots level and more recently the Women’s Super League has taken up the mantle as the women’s game has grown – enabling Rainbow Laces to reach more diverse audiences”.

Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which launched in 2013, was supported by all clubs in England’s top flight.

The initiative encouraged all Premier League players to wear rainbow-coloured laces and captains rainbow armbands to show support for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, inspire acceptance among children and young people, and promote equality and diversity.

Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, a Muslim, decided not to wear the rainbow armband last season, with the club saying it was because of his “religious beliefs”.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi wrote ‘ I]heart] Jesus ‘ across his armband, while Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community because a player refused to wear it.

Meanwhile, Premier League players have agreed to continue taking the knee in 2025-26.

But they will perform the gesture, which is linked to the Premier League’s “No Room for Racism” campaign, on just two occasions during October’s Black History Month.

Related topics

  • Premier League
  • Football