Coldplay angers Israel

Coldplay

Israeli fans of the British rock band Coldplay have expressed their anger after it posted a message on its Facebook page urging fans to check out the "Freedom for Palestine" music video.

The song, performed by music artists from around the world and British artists including Maxi Jazz and Dave Randall of the group Faithless and Jamie Catto of 1 Giant Leap, features images of Israeli checkpoints and the separation wall. The artists were performing under the auspices of Freedom OneWorld.

Over 6,000 Facebook users had pressed "Like" on the post since Wednesday afternoon. More than 12,000 comments ranged from calling on the world to "stop Israel at last" to criticizing Coldplay for supporting the project.  Fans posted comments including "Zionism is racism" and "Israel is an apartheid state". Others called on the band to boycott Israel.

Facebook blocked the song's URL after complaints that it was abusive, but Coldplay and others have linked instead to the OneWorld website.

Proceeds from the single, which will be available on iTunes in July, will go to UK Charity War on Want "to support projects in Palestine," according to its website.