Robert Kraft pledges $2 million to Palestine following Ed Sheeran's request

Robert Kraft has pledged $2 million (£1.4 million) to the Palestine region following Ed Sheeran's request.

Earlier this week, the Shape of You singer and his team removed Macklemore as a supporting act from the Loop Tour due to the rapper's "free Palestine" comments during two performances in New Jersey.

According to Sheeran, the pressure came from promoters and venue owners, including billionaire Kraft.

But on Wednesday, the New England Patriots owner issued a statement via the Gillette Stadium social media accounts in which he revealed he would match Sheeran's $2 million donation for humanitarian aid in Palestine amid the Gaza war.

"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting," he wrote. "Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."

Kraft, who is Jewish, went on to declare that he has supported Palestinian causes in the past.

"In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships," the 85-year-old added.

Neither Kraft nor Sheeran has publicly announced which organisations they plan to donate the funds to.

On Wednesday morning, Macklemore confirmed he would donate the $1 million (£750,000) he earned from supporting Sheeran on tour to nonprofits aiding Palestine.

They include Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen and Medical Aid for Palestinians, among others.

"Palestinians have lived for decades without basic rights and should not have to wait another day to be free," he commented. "That is where my focus will remain. I will continue to stand with the Palestinian people and their fight for liberation."

In solidarity with Thrift Shop hitmaker, all remaining supporting acts on the Loop Tour - Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga - announced that they were dropping out too.