Gaza people inspired US activist Shaun King and his wife to ...

American writer and activist Jeffery Shaun King and his wife Rai King have converted to Islam on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

On Monday, the two pronounced a testament of faith, known as Shahadah, over Instagram live under the guidance of King’s friend for over 10 years — US Muslim scholar Omar Suleiman.

The 44-year-old wore a Palestinian garment keffiyeh as he addressed the crowd, crediting his decision to the “past six months of suffering, pain and trauma that we’ve seen in Gaza”.

“It has touched me in the most profound ways to see people right now in the most dangerous, traumatic place on the planet still be able to sometimes look at nothing but rubble and the remains of their family, and still see meaning and purpose in life.”

“Their faith and their devotion to Islam has not only opened my heart but has opened the hearts of millions of people around the world,” said King.

King has been vocal about his support for Palestine against Israel's war on besieged Gaza, which has killed at least 31,112 people, mostly children and women, and wounded 72,760 so far.

Since October 7, King regularly shared posts on social media that highlighted the destruction in Gaza and called for an end to Israel’s attacks.

King even alleged that he worked with Hamas for the release of two American hostages: Natalie Raanan, 17, and her mother, Judith Tai Raanan, 59. A claim that the family denies.

In response to his support for Palestine online, King said Instagram banned his account with over six million followers in December. It remains unclear why Meta deactivated and removed King's account.

But who is Shaun King and why is he advocating for the Palestinian cause?