Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft donate millions for Gaza aid after Macklemore's pledge

Stadium owner Robert Kraft says he and musician Ed Sheeran will donate $US2 million ($2.8 million) for aid in Gaza in response to rapper Macklemore's pledge to give his earnings from the Loop tour to Palestinian charities. 

This morning Macklemore said the US$1 million ($1.4 million) he earnt from the two shows he played on the tour would be donated to "bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation and still fighting for their freedom".

The rapper invited Mr Kraft, who is the owner of Gillette stadium and who concluded it would "cross the line" for Macklemore to play at the upcoming concerts at his venue, to match the donation.

"Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting," Macklemore said.

"Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this Earth."

A few hours later, in a statement released by the Gillette Stadium account, Mr Kraft said he already decided he would double that donation after a call by Sheeran. 

"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people," he said.

'I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.

"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 the region to fight this humanitarian crisis."

The money will go to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid Palestine, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Anera.

Mr Kraft said Sheeran now planned to reach out to other venue owners and "our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."

"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."

It did not say which charities the money would be donated to. 

Sheeran has not yet publicly commented. 

Macklemore, Sheeran and Mr Kraft made headlines this week after Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour over his pro-Palestinian comments on stage.

Sheeran said it was not his decision, but rather the promoters of the tour and Mr Kraft. 

Mr Kraft, who is Jewish, said the decision to cancel Macklemore was a result of his recent comments "and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community".

The remaining supports acts for the tour have also dropped out in support of Macklemore.

Who is Robert Kraft?

Mr Kraft is the billionaire owner of the NFL team the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. 

The 85-year-old built his fortune in the paper and packing industry before expanding into construction and real estate. 

Mr Kraft is credited with transforming the Patriots into one of the most successful franchises in the league's history. 

In his owner biography on the team's website it says his philanthropic efforts exceed $US1 billion and that he has established a foundation combating "anti-Semitism and all forms of hate".

Mr Kraft made headlines in 2019 when he was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution after he was allegedly captured on video engaging in sex acts with a worker at a massage parlour in Florida. 

A spokesman for Mr Kraft said: "We categorically deny that Mr Kraft engaged in any illegal activity."

He is a close friend and supporter of US President Donald Trump, who told reporters in the Oval Office that he was "very sad" to hear about the charges at the time.

"I was very surprised to see it. He's proclaimed his innocence, totally," Mr Trump said.

Nineteen months after Mr Kraft was charged, The New York Times reported Florida prosecutors dropped the case after the recordings were thrown out by the court.