Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik’s family are encouraging his fans to donate to Palestine instead of giving flowers, as the singer recovers in hospital from a reported heart condition.
The British-Pakistani singer pulled out of several events earlier this year, where he was set to promote his new album.
In a post on Thursday, the singer’s cousin, Sasha Malik, published a statement on Instagram stories.
"We’re so grateful for everyone who has reached out to send bouquets! Logistically, it just simply can’t work, but we appreciate you all so much, please donate anything you’d like on Zayn’s behalf to The Palestine Project!" Malik said.
She also posted a link to the Palestine Project website, where over £27,000 has been fundraised so far.
Many fans left messages in support of Malik on the fundraising platform, which collects donations for development projects for Palestinians that are implemented by Islamic Relief. "Standing with Palestine and praying for peace and safety for all affected. Sending love to Zayn Malik, wishing him a speedy recovery, peace, and happiness," one donor wrote.
"For Zayn. Wouldn't be where I am without his music. I ask the universe for love, light and healing for Zayn and his family," another wrote.
"I was made aware of this fundraiser through Zayn Malik & his family. It’s a cause I care so deeply about and I am grateful for the opportunity to help in this way. I’m wishing Zayn a speedy recovery," one fan said.
On Thursday, a florist called The Hidden Bouquet also issued a statement, calling on people to donate to The Palestine Project in honour of Malik, rather than purchase flowers from them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @thehiddenbouquet "Due to the high volume of requests for bouquets for Zayn Malik and his family, we are unfortunately no longer able to take any further orders at this time".
"If you would still like to make a meaningful gesture, the Malik family would greatly appreciate donations being made to the Palestine Project via the link below," the statement continues.
It added that the donations platform is overseen by the family.
The flurry of support for Malik comes as he is set to take part in a world tour, his biggest solo tour to date, beginning this month and ending in November.
The Bradford-born singer has long been vocal about his support for Palestinian rights and freedom.
In 2014, amid a heavy Israeli onslaught on Gaza, which killed over 1,000 Palestinians, Zayn posted "#Free Palestine" on X (then Twitter).
The singer received death threats from pro-Israel fans, despite his post garnering over 140,000 reposts and likes.
Despite calls and pressure to remove the post, the singer refused to delete it.
In 2021, Israel again launched a war on Gaza, killing at least 232 Palestinians, and striking buildings and media offices.
The war on the enclave came after Israel launched several incursions into Al Aqsa Mosque - one of Islam's holiest sites - and an international campaign to save Sheikh Jarrah, a neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem which has seen rampant seizures of Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers.
At the time, Malik posted a statement making his stance clear: "I stand with the Palestinian people. My heart aches for the families who have lost loved ones. We can not stand as silent witnesses to children being orphaned and murdered and not demand for the human rights of all Palestinians! This must end. Free Palestine."
I stand with the Palestinian people. My heart aches for the families who have lost loved ones. We can not stand as silent witnesses to children being orphaned and murdered and not demand for the human rights of all Palestinians! This must end. Free Palestine.
— zayn (@zaynmalik) May 13, 2021 Malik’s family’s call to support the Islamic Relief fundraiser comes as Israel continues to kill Palestinians in the besieged enclave, despite a ceasefire in place since October.
The war, which has been determined to be a genocide by leading rights groups and UN experts, has killed over 72,000 Palestinians and levelled entire neighbourhoods.
The war has also plunged the enclave into a deep humanitarian crisis, displaced the majority of the Gaza Strip's population, and destroyed over 80 percent of its buildings.