The 51-year-old reacted to a post by a supporter of immigration reform, Abraham Hamra, who had criticised Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush for voting against a measure banning anyone who took part in the 7 October attack on Israel from immigrating to the US.

In her previous comment, now deleted and which attracted strong criticism, she had written: "Deport all these terrorist supporting goons. Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroy minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate."

In her apology on Instagram, Blair promised to "do better" when she wrote: "I mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists, a terrible err in my words, and resulted in hurting countless people I never meant to, and I deeply regret this.

"As soon as my error was brought to my attention, I deleted the comment.

"Hate and misinformation are amplified so easily these days. This time by my own hands.

"In this instance, I erred in my writing and I fully recognize how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset.

"I respect and love all peace-loving communities, all over the world. It was my Muslim friends who helped educate and show me the way.

"I apologize to those in the Muslim community who I offended with my words. I apologize to my friends. And I apologize to anyone I hurt.

"And I will do better."

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She also said how in a "time of great pain and anguish for many around the world, it is also a "time to learn and better understand how words matter".

Israel began its intense bombardment of Gaza in the wake of the 7 October attacks by Hamas.

There have been repeated international calls for an end to the war with Israel said to be poised to attack the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are believed to be sheltering.