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As Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires, online discussions have drawn parallels between the experiences of Angelenos facing destruction and displacement and those of Palestinians enduring the ongoing bombardment in Gaza.

Over six days, the fires in LA have scorched over 160 square kilometers, claimed at least 24  lives, and displaced more than 180,000 residents. Among the most destructive, the Palisades fire alone has consumed nearly 69 square kilometers, and wildfire loss estimates hit $20 billion, marking a grim record in LA's history. These events have sparked comparisons on social media, with users highlighting the stark disparity in empathetic reactions toward Americans affected by wildfires versus Palestinians suffering in Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees reports that Israeli actions have displaced at least 1.9 million Palestinians so far.

The U.S. government's financial support for Israel has also come under scrutiny. Recently, the Biden administration announced an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel. Critics argue that such aid perpetuates the cycle of destruction in Gaza

Amid this, celebrity James Woods, who lost his home in the fires, faced renewed criticism for his vocal support of Israel's Gaza operations. Social media users circulated a prior post of his on X where he stated, "No ceasefire. No compromise. No forgiveness."

"American actor James Woods, after his house burned down in the fires that broke out in Los Angeles, is practically living some of the sorrows and pains of the Palestinians in Gaza, whom he called for killing them all in support of the Zionist occupiers," Arab columnist and blogger Abdulla Alamadi wrote on his X handle.

"Whoever practices injustice or calls for it, God must punish him sooner or later. It is divine justice that only those who have some faith in their heart can understand," Alamadi said as he shared Woods' recent interview to CNN in which the American actor was moved to tears while sharing the details of the wildfires near his home.

Imam Omar Suleiman, addressing his Instagram followers, expressed prayers for those in LA while drawing attention to Gaza’s ongoing suffering, remarking, “The people of Gaza continue to be exterminated by the cruel in houses of power.”

Activists have further connected the situation to broader consequences. Fatima Mohammed, a New York-based activist, posted on X: "Dropping hundreds of thousands of tons of bombs on Gaza, turning it into a blazing inferno, has consequences that extend beyond our moral condemnation—there are climate consequences that will find us all."

Adding a geopolitical dimension, a Telegram channel linked to Lebanese Hizbullah shared a cartoon on January 10, 2025, mocking President Trump and warning that the "doors of hell will open" if hostages in Gaza are not released by his January 20 inauguration.

More related articles :

The Ongoing Conflict in Gaza: Unveiling the Untold Realities

Palestine: A story of human liberation