Irish rap trio Kneecap posted a lengthy statement online Monday after their messages critiquing Israel at Coachella ignited controversy earlier this month.

“They want you to believe words are more harmful than genocide,” began the group’s statement shared on social media. “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.”

While critics have accused Kneecap of making statements in the past supporting...