Speaking at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran said the scale of civilian and child deaths in Gaza had broken his heart. He also said what he described as systemic injustice in the West Bank could not be ignored.
Sheeran also apologised to his audience, saying he had been forced to make difficult decisions and had made mistakes. He said he was concerned about the broader issue of freedom of expression and the practice of venues pre-approving the content of performers.
The remarks came amid a controversy over Macklemore's removal from the US leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour. Macklemore had said “Free Palestine” during a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The tour promoter said venue owners had informed them that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at some upcoming shows. Sheeran has said the decision was made by the promoter and that he was not responsible for removing the rapper.
Several other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore, including Beoga, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Finneas.
Sheeran began Saturday's Philadelphia concert without an opening act. He later brought five musicians onto the stage, saying they had learned his songs in just three days.
Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the stadium before the concert. Some protesters called for a boycott of Sheeran's tour, while fans attending the show expressed differing views over the controversy.
Macklemore has also pledged $1 million from his net earnings from the tour to Palestinian relief organisations.
