The Prince of Wales is taking some backlash over his rare statement addressing the ongoing war between Israel and the terror group Hamas, mainly from people angry that he did not go the same route as his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in staying out of politics entirely.

Prince William released the statement early on Tuesday calling for an end to hostilities “as soon as possible.”

BREAKING: Prince William statement on Middle East ???????? pic.twitter.com/pcrAOfFe5N

— Camilla Tominey (@CamillaTominey) February 20, 2024

“I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed,” the royal’s statement began. “I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. It’s critical that aid gets in and the hostages are released.”

“Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home,” the statement concluded. “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.”

Critics immediately attacked Prince William for addressing the situation at all, arguing that he should have taken the late queen’s cue and stayed out of global affairs — and others complained that he used his statement to call for the release of hostages in addition to asking for an end to the war.

“Stay out of politics. Dress appropriately. Can’t do either smh,” one posted.

– stay out of politics
– dress appropriately

Can’t do either smh pic.twitter.com/aNFBhg3yh9

— Jeremy Stamper ???????? (e/acc) (@jeremymstamper) February 20, 2024

“Very telling: ‘It’s critical that aid gets in and the hostages get out.’ Notice the priority. Do not think this is by accident or an oversight. Every single word here will have been agonised over,” another posted.

Very telling:

“It’s critical that aid gets in and the hostages get out”

Notice the priority.

Do not think this is by accident or an oversight. Every single word here will have been agonised over.

— Mike (@MikeSouthWestUK) February 20, 2024

“If Prince William wants to get involved with politics let him stand for office. I certainly didn’t vote for him,” one commented.

If Prince William wants to get involved with politics let him stand for office. I certainly didn’t vote for him ???? https://t.co/BiWOs18m1g

— DrA ????⚪️???? (@WorkPsychol) February 20, 2024

“Why has he made this statement? He should have followed his grandmother’s example and kept schtumm,” another said.

Why has he made this statement? He should have followed his grandmother’s example and kept schtumm ???? https://t.co/pGu4OfrWyS

— Viscount Toad KG ???????????? (@cheshiretoad) February 20, 2024

Israel issued a response to the British royal, saying that the fighting would stop once all remaining hostages were released and Hamas had been destroyed.

WATCH:

BREAKING: Israel responds to Prince William over his Gaza statement to end fighting 'as soon as possible'.

An Israeli spokesman said that an end to the fighting will be possible once the 134 hostages are released and when Hamas is dismantled https://t.co/Ys1JnRQpov

???? Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/jJdyXNAfgp

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 20, 2024