Miss Palestine will be part of the Miss Universe competition for the first time this fall.
On Sunday, the Miss Universe Organization told CNN it was “pleased to confirm” that beauty queen Nadeen Ayoub would be representing the occupied territory when more than 130 women from around the globe vie for the tiara come November.
In a statement, it said, “The Miss Universe Organization proudly welcomes delegates from across the globe, celebrating diversity, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of women.”
“Ms. Ayoub, an accomplished advocate and model from Palestine, embodies the resilience and determination that define our platform,” it continued.
The announcement comes as people in the war-torn region of Gaza are facing a catastrophic starvation crisis. Almost zero food, water or humanitarian aid has been able to enter the zone following Israel’s decision to lock down all crossings into the area between March and mid-May.
Since borders were shuttered, 266 people have died from starvation, including 122 children, according to a Monday report from Al Jazeera that cited statistics from the Palestinian Health Ministry.
As death tolls in the region continue to rise, Israel has come under increased international scrutiny for its retaliatory response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that killed 1,200 people.
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She wrote, “I am honored to announce that for the first time ever, Palestine will be represented at Miss Universe.”
“As Palestine endures heartbreak — especially in Gaza — I carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced. I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see,” the caption continued. “We are more than our suffering — we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us.”
The finale for the 74th Miss Universe competition will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 21.
