Hyderabad, Nov. 13 -- Canadian singer Shawn Mendes has urged people, particularly fellow artists, to speak up for Palestinians in Gaza, saying it is time for more people to use their voices to help those suffering from the war.

In a statement shared on Instagram, he called for an end to the killing and support for children and families in Palestine.

"There is a genocide happening before our eyes. The senseless killing in Gaza must stop. The children and families in Palestine have suffered for far too long, and they need our help," he wrote.

Mendes began his post with the words "FREE PALESTINE" and said he had been educating himself to understand how he could make a difference.

Addressing fellow artists, Mendes acknowledged that speaki...