I'm a proud Muslim, says half-Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid

The 20-year-old said she was "proud to be a Muslim", adding that her father's Palestinian heritage has shaped her upbringing.

The model, whose father is a Palestinian American, had never publically confirmed her religion before.

Speaking about her father, Hadid said "He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim".

The model is the daughter real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid, who was born in Nazareth and lived in Syria and Lebanon before immigrating to the US aged just 14.

"My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it's actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me," Hadid told Porter magazine.

We shouldn't treat people as if they don't deserve kindness just because of their ethnicities. It's just not right. And that message – to be compassionate whenever possible – that's so important to me

Earlier this year, Hadid participated in the New York march against US President Donald Trump's Muslim travel ban.

Hadid told Porter magazine she felt compelled to take part in the demonstration because the ban felt quite personal.

Read also: Gigi Hadid dons hijab for Vogue Arabia cover

Speaking about her participation in the march in February, she told Elle magazine in February, the model said her "diverse background" taught her all people "deserve respect and kindness".

"We shouldn't treat people as if they don't deserve kindness just because of their ethnicities. It's just not right. And that message – to be compassionate whenever possible – that's so important to me."

Earlier this year, Hadid's older sister Gigi appeared on the first cover of Vogue Arabia's print edition wearing the Islamic veil.

The model posed in a sequined headscarf as part of a spread for the magazine.