In a world still reeling from the devastating events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage, questions about global leaders’ responses continue to linger. Among those in the spotlight are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, whose recent humanitarian efforts have sparked both praise and pointed criticism. While the couple has been lauded for their hands-on approach to aiding victims of conflict, a glaring absence remains: visits to the Israeli children who were held hostage in Gaza, the orphans whose parents were slain that fateful day, and the grieving families of the 1,200 victims. As royal watchers and humanitarian advocates alike ask, “When will they step up?”
The October 7th attack, often described as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, saw militants storm Israeli communities, music festivals, and kibbutzim, unleashing unimaginable horror. Families were torn apart, children witnessed atrocities, and hostages—many of them young—were dragged into Gaza’s tunnels. The aftermath has left scars that run deep: children orphaned, families shattered, and a nation in perpetual mourning. Memorials across Israel stand as somber reminders, with candles, photos, and flags honoring the lost.
Yet, amid this ongoing tragedy, Harry and Meghan’s actions have drawn scrutiny. Back in October 2023, shortly after the attack, the couple issued a statement through their Archewell Foundation, condemning “all acts of terrorism and brutality.” They expressed support for partners and organizations on the frontlines in Israel, pledging aid to innocent victims. This neutral stance was echoed by other royals, including King Charles III, who voiced deep concern, and Prince William and Kate Middleton, who called the horrors inflicted by Hamas “appalling.” At the time, it seemed like a unified front from the British royal family diaspora.
Fast forward to February 2026, and the Sussexes are once again in the headlines for their humanitarian work—this time in Jordan. On a surprise two-day visit invited by the World Health Organization (WHO), Harry and Meghan touched down in Amman to spotlight Jordan’s role in regional crises. They visited the Za’atari Refugee Camp, home to thousands of displaced Syrians, and engaged in discussions on mental health support for those affected by conflict. But the emotional highlight came at Amman’s Specialty Hospital, where they met medical evacuees from Gaza, including young burn victims like 14-year-old Maria and 17-year-old Jaber. Photos captured Meghan holding Maria’s hand, offering comfort, while Harry expressed gladness that the children were receiving needed treatment.
The visit underscored their commitment to children impacted by war. Through Archewell, they’ve funded medical evacuations for Gaza’s youth and supported relief for families in both Gaza and Israel following the October 7th attack. Harry even called for urgent aid corridors into Gaza, highlighting the desperate humanitarian situation there. Sources close to the couple emphasize they are “pro-family, pro-children, and pro-peace,” not aligned with any side in the conflict. This balanced approach is evident in their philanthropy, which has extended to initiatives like World Central Kitchen’s food aid in Gaza.
But here’s where the controversy boils over: while Harry and Meghan have physically engaged with Gaza’s victims in Jordan, there’s no record of similar visits to Israel’s side. No trips to kibbutzim ravaged on October 7th, no meetings with freed hostages or their families, no solace offered to the children left parentless. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel has publicly invited Harry to Israel, criticizing his claims about closed aid corridors as “deeply disappointing” and amplifying “false narratives.” Online, voices echo this sentiment: “How nice… And now go and visit some survivors of October 7th and ex-hostages,” one social media user quipped.
Critics argue this disparity sends a message, intentional or not. The Sussexes’ Jordan trip, while commendable, focuses heavily on Gaza’s plight—visiting evacuees and calling for aid—without a corresponding gesture toward Israel. Some point to potential political sensitivities; after all, the couple has navigated royal estrangement and public scrutiny since stepping back in 2020. Others speculate logistics or security concerns, though their willingness to travel to Jordan suggests otherwise. Harry, a veteran himself, has long championed mental health for those in conflict zones, making the omission even more puzzling.
Supporters defend the duo, noting their behind-the-scenes funding for Israeli relief efforts post-October 7th. “They are not pro-Palestine and anti-Israel,” insiders insist, highlighting Archewell’s dual support. Yet, in the court of public opinion, actions speak louder than statements. A visit to Israel could bridge this perceived gap, offering healing to families still grappling with loss. Imagine the impact: Harry, with his military background, connecting with young hostages; Meghan, a mother, consoling orphans. It could be a powerful symbol of unity in a divided world.
As the Israel-Gaza conflict drags on into its third year, with casualties mounting on both sides, the need for balanced humanitarianism is paramount. The Sussexes have the platform to lead by example. So, we ask again: When will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit the Israeli children who were held hostage in Gaza? When will they comfort the children whose parents were killed on October 7th? When will they stand with the families of the 1,200 slain?
The world—and especially those still suffering—awaits an answer. In the meantime, their Jordan visit serves as a reminder of what compassion looks like, but also of what’s missing.
