Claudine Keane, the wife of Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.'s coach Robbie Keane, addressed on Monday the IDF’s strike on Rafah which was criticized around the world and compared the footage from the incident to that of October 7. She also called for the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
"Return the hostages from October 7th," Keane wrote in a post she shared on social media. "The images today are enough! No innocents or children should ever be harmed, Israeli or Palestinians [sic], there are no exceptions. This is humanity. Innocents and children need protection.
“As a mother, these images are devastating just as the images on Oct. 7th were devasting. The world needs peace. Keane added, "Every child is someone's everything. I'm so sorry little ones, I'm just so sorry.”
Claudine Keane has frequently spoken out on social media and called for returning the hostages and has faced criticism for it in her homeland, Ireland, which is known for its pro-Palestinian views.
Last week, her husband faced severe criticism for celebrating after leading Maccabi Tel Aviv to a win the championship. "It's disgraceful, while he remained silent, Israel committed a genocide," a use wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user issued less direct criticism against Keane. "Robbie Keane won the championship. In any other case, I’d say he deserves all the respect, but the fact that he worked in Israel will always be held against him. It’s a great personal achievement, but I can’t help but think why he couldn’t do it somewhere else."
As is known, many in Israel were also unhappy with Keane's silence following the war in Gaza, with some fans interpreting it as quiet support for Hamas. Even after the victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva two weeks ago, he faced criticism for refusing to wear the championship shirt made by the club, on which was printed a caption commemorating the victims of October 7, as well as a tribute to the hostages held by Hamas.