Ed Sheeran has broken his silence about fellow musician Macklemore getting dropped from his tour for his pro-Palestinian stance, saying it wasn’t his decision and that he’s “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine.”

“The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated,” Sheeran wrote Tuesday on Instagram.

Macklemore revealed Monday that he was dropped from the rest of the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour because of the “Free Palestine” remarks he made at a show earlier this month.

Messina Touring Group, the concert promoter, said Monday that venues wouldn’t allow the concert to take place if Macklemore was still on the bill, which “would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.”

Macklemore put the blame more directly on Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, saying Kraft told Sheeran that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at the stadium.

“Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues,” the artist wrote Monday on Instagram, adding that Sheeran was in a “fucked-up position” and that Sheeran’s “typical apolitical stance was being challenged.”

Kraft confirmed that he wouldn’t allow Macklemore to perform at his stadium, saying he’s been focused on “the fight against antisemitism.”

Sheeran said he had tried to bridge a gap with Kraft.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote Tuesday on Instagram. “Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”

The singer added that he is “not complicit” and has his own views regarding the violence.

“Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”

Sheeran added that he wants his concerts to be about “unity, joy, escapism, love” and to be events where everyone can feel welcome. He said he doesn’t use his job to promote his political views, but respects Macklemore’s decision to do so.

“I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed,” Sheeran wrote. “If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”

“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too,” he wrote.

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