Nobel laureate and girls’ education rights activist Malala Yousafzai crticised the US government for not using its influence to stop war in Gaza and responded to accusations regarding her silence over Israel’s genocide against Palestinians during Financial Times Women in Business Summit.

“Just looking at the US role in this has been really disappointing. The US has so much power and influence that it has not used to actually bring about peace, stability, or to protect human lives,” she stated. She expressed her hope that the US would take stronger actions to stop Israel’s genocide in Gaza, push for a ceasefire, and allow humanitarian aid to flow into the region.

In response to accusations regarding her silence on the genocide in Gaza, she said that these claims are not based on facts. “Scrutiny is always present for public figures. One reason for this is that some people deliberately fail to fact-check. For instance, I have faced scrutiny for allegedly being silent about Gaza, but I have spoken about it many times since 2014,” she said.

Malala emphasised her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide support, noting: “I have used my platform to advocate for this cause and contributed to donations for building schools in 2014, 2021, and 2023, as well as giving emergency grants to organisations that are helping many children in Gaza right now.”

She also highlighted the plight of Afghan women and girls suffering under Taliban rule and condemned the regime’s actions. “What is happening to women and girls in Afghanistan. I hope the US will take stronger action to support women and girls there, step up its efforts, and build more global pressure on the Taliban. I urge them to stand with Afghan women and activists, bringing their voices to the forefront.”

Malala concluded by reinforcing the importance of collective action, stating: “We are all on the same side; we are all speaking for the same cause.”