‘It’s Horrifying’ – ‘Sad’ Ons Jabeur Opens Up About the Gaza Tragedy

Ons Jabeur’s current destination is Paris, where she is gradually moving up the ladder of success. Jabeur has successfully swept past three consecutive victories and is soon going to battle Clara Tauson in her fourth round. However, even amid her ongoing glory of success, Jabeur’s heart cries for the people in Gaza, especially the kids. With the recent news of the war surfacing online, Jabeur addressed the “horrifying” events that have made her “sad”.

Ons Jabeur’s latest rivalry against Leylah Fernandez showed her amazing prowess on-court as she gracefully claimed her victory with a score of 6-4, 6-7. Naturally, the former world No. 2 was found in great spirits after the match. However, while giving a post-match interview, fans got a glimpse of the deeper internal chaos that she is going through. When asked about her views regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the 29-year-old player revealed how it has weighed heavily on her.

A brief clip on X has surfaced with a caption that states, “Ons Jabeur was asked about kids in Gaza who don’t have basic needs but idolize her.” The video showcased Jabeur’s heart-wrenching response to the subject. “ I’m pretty sad to see the news every day. I honestly try not to be on social media because it’s horrifying what is happening in Gaza. These kids, women, men, suffering. I wish the world would speak more about it.”

Jabeur’s support for the people in Gaza is not new. Ever since the war started, the Tunisian have made sure to spread awareness and address the brutality of the scenario over and over again. Last year, the tennis world witnessed another of her reflections on the matter during the WTA Finals. 

“The situation in the world doesn’t make me happy. I try to stay off social media as much as I can but it’s very tough. You go through horrible photos and videos every day–it doesn’t let me sleep or recover very well. The worst thing is I feel hopeless, I feel like cannot do anything,” she told the reporters there.

Ons Jabeur has frequently addressed various social issues during her career. Especially when it comes to supporting people in the Middle East and North African region, Jabeur has always been ready to move mountains. Be it speaking against discrimination based on color or addressing anti-immigrant issues, Jabeur has not backed down in her standpoints. Therefore, when it came to doing something for the people at war in Gaza, last year, Jabeur declared how she aimed to do that.

Ons Jabeur opened up on donating money to those in need in Palestine

In 2023, the Tunisian No. 1 player, Jabeur, made it to the WTA Finals with ease. Although she couldn’t defeat the current world No. 1, it did not dampen her spirits. Why? Because her aim was slightly different that year. After qualifying for the WTA finals after winning against Marketa Vondrousova, Jabeur confessed, “I am very happy with the win, but I haven’t been happy lately. The situation in the world doesn’t make me happy”  Therefore, Ons Jabeur took a bold step.

“It’s very tough seeing children, babies dying every day. It’s heartbreaking, so I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians,” she declared. Jabeur’s heartfelt gesture further emphasized her “wish [for] peace in this world.” While she moves forward in her career in tennis, there are millions of ways that she is inspiring others to make a difference in the world too.