Youtube personality Ms Rachel to match Macklemore's $1m donation for Palestinians
Accurso, known professionally as Ms Rachel, announced the pledge on Instagram and said the humanitarian crisis had taken a heavy toll on children
Ms Rachel, the YouTube educator and children's entertainer, said she will match rapper Macklemore's $1 million donation to organisations supporting Palestinians, describing the contribution as a "moral obligation" and calling on wealthy public figures to make similar donations.
Accurso, known professionally as Ms Rachel, announced the pledge on Instagram and said the humanitarian crisis had taken a heavy toll on children, says The Guardian.
"Over 20,000 precious Palestinian children have been killed, and children continue to be killed every day," she said.
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Accurso also called on "every wealthy white celebrity" and other public figures to contribute to organisations providing support to Palestinians.
Macklemore pledged his earnings from Ed Sheeran's tour to several organisations supporting Palestinians after he was removed as an opening act following a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in which he said "Free Palestine".
During a September 5 performance, Macklemore also addressed Jewish members of the audience, saying criticism of Israel and opposition to apartheid or genocide should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.
"Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love; for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality."
The dispute has drawn responses from other artists and public figures.
Singer Pink said on Instagram that she was not speaking on behalf of the Israeli government but wanted to advocate for Jewish concertgoers who may have been alarmed by Macklemore's remarks.
Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was made by stadium owners, including Gillette Stadium and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Sheeran also said his decision not to comment publicly on the conflict did not mean he lacked personal views or was not supporting causes privately.
"I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care. Nor does it mean I don't support causes in my own, personal way."
Kraft and Sheeran have each pledged $2 million towards humanitarian aid in the region.
Four other supporting acts on Sheeran's tour, including US artist Finneas and Danish pop group Lukas Graham, have also withdrawn from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Accurso's donation brings another prominent entertainment figure into a debate that has increasingly involved artists and other public figures, with performers differing over how publicly they should address the conflict and humanitarian situation in Gaza.
