Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft donate millions for Gaza aid after Macklemore's urging

Stadium owner Robert Kraft says he and musician Ed Sheeran will donate $US2 million ($2.8 million) for aid in Gaza in response to rapper Macklemore's pledge to give his earnings from the Loop tour to Palestinian charities.

This morning Macklemore said the US$1 million ($1.4 million) he earnt from the two shows he played on the tour would be donated to "bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation and still fighting for their freedom".

The rapper invited Mr Kraft, who is the owner of Gillette stadium and who concluded it would "cross the line" for Macklemore to play at the upcoming concerts at his venue, to match the donation.

"Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting," Macklemore said.

"Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this Earth."

A few hours later, in a statement released by the Gillette Stadium account, Mr Kraft said he already decided he would double that donation after a call by Sheeran.

"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people," he said.

"Earlier today before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid the region to fight this humanitarian crisis."

The money will go to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid Palestine, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Anera.

Mr Kraft said Sheeran now planned to reach out to other venue owners and "our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."

"In addition I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs and forge relationships."

Macklemore, Sheeran and Mr Kraft made headlines this week after Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour over his pro-Palestinian comments on stage.

Sheeran said it was not his decision, but rather the promoters of the tour and Mr Kraft.

Mr Kraft, who is Jewish, said the decision to cancel Macklemore was a result of his recent comments "and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community".