Kiwi sporting great Sonny Bill Williams has caused outrage on social media by backing claims Hamas militants who attacked Israel should be described as 'freedom fighters' rather than terrorists.
On the weekend Hamas militants fired at least 3500 rockets into Israel, before armed fighters entered towns during a major Jewish holiday, killing at least 700 Israelis and abducted dozens more.
Israel responded with air strikes into the Gaza strip that Palestinian officials say killed nearly 300 people in 24 hours.
Williams, a cross-code star and devout Muslim who now works as a broadcaster for Australia's Stan Sports, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) from American law professor, author and controversial columnist Khaled Beydoun that read: "So, Ukrainian civilians defending their families are 'freedom fighters'... But Palestinians in Gaza doing the EXACT same thing are 'terrorists'?"
Williams reposted the comment with the '100' emoji as a sign of approval, alongside a palms-up emoji.
The post has since garnered over 13,000 likes, but also outrage, with many calling for it to be deleted.
One person wrote: "Given that there’s a lot of footage of Hamas slaughtering innocent civilians, you should be ashamed of supporting their actions."
A supporter wrote: "Well said my brother Palestine will be free in sha Allah the people of Palestine have had to put up with this for 75 years they finally stood up and said enough is enough Alhamdulillah victory will be for Palestine."
"Even you have to admit kidnapping and killing civilians is not fighting for freedom. If you can’t I’m afraid you too sir a blinded. Don’t believe that is what the Ukrainians are doing," said another.
"Respect you even more," said another supporter.
"So murdering, raping and abducting innocent women and children sits well with you? What a sick human you are. Lost all respect for you," added a detractor.
"Respect," posted one more commenter.
Williams also posted an earlier message of support for Palestine, saying: 'PRAYING FOR GAZA!!"
Williams converted to Islam in 2009. He starred in both rugby and rugby league, winning NRL Premierships with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters respectively and two Rugby World Cups with the All Blacks.
He then turned his attention to boxing, where he's amassed a 9-1 professional record.
