Missy Elliott Catching Heat for Upcoming Concert in Israel

Missy Elliott didn't have too many problems when she played Britain's Wireless Music Festival earlier this month, but her next international concert isn't going as smoothly. The Virginia native is set to perform at Gane HaTaarucha in Tel Aviv on July 15 for the first gig in Israel of her career, but Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East are boycotting her show out of respect to the territorial dispute between Palestinians and Israelites.

"As a member of a visible minority, and someone who has long contributed to various social causes, Ms. Elliott may have a sensitivity to the plight of the oppressed," reads the online petition. "Santana, Elvis Costello, the Pixies and other prominent performers have recently canceled concerts in Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel in 2005."

The petition may be too late to have an effect, as tickets for the show have nearly sold out. This isn't the first time that an artist has been pressured to cancel a tour date in Israel, with Snoop Dogg facing similar criticism from a Palestinian group to steer clear of Israel back in 2008. The ongoing dispute between Israel and Palestine dates back to the early 20th century, with the war still claiming hundreds of lives on each side on an annual basis.

Despite the controversy, Missy Elliott has been laying low recently, popping up for a few performances here and there while recording her upcoming seventh studio album 'Block Party.'