Israel Suspects Qatar Behind Hamas ‘Starvation’ Propaganda Campaign

Israeli authorities are pointing fingers at Qatar for spearheading Hamas’ narrative regarding a so-called “famine in Gaza,” a storyline that has increasingly gained momentum on the global stage, Channel 12 News reported Monday evening.

This messaging effort casts Israel as the primary cause of a humanitarian food crisis in Gaza and is being amplified by major international news networks. Some Israeli outlets have also begun repeating aspects of the Hamas-led campaign, which includes emotionally charged images of emaciated children meant to bolster claims of mass starvation.

In a move to counter the growing narrative, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) issued a rebuttal earlier today, debunking Hamas’ allegations and addressing specific claims surrounding a 5-year-old Gazan child, Osama al-Rakab, who has been prominently featured in the campaign.

One particular image of al-Rakab, which has been widely circulated online and by global media platforms, portrays the child in a severely malnourished state, with claims attributing his condition to starvation caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Contrary to these assertions, COGAT clarified that Osama’s condition is not the result of war-related deprivation. The agency explained that the boy suffers from a serious inherited illness and that his health problems are unrelated to any conflict-related shortages. Osama has since left Gaza with his family and is currently undergoing medical treatment abroad.

“The Facts: Osama suffers from a serious genetic illness unrelated to the war,” COGAT tweeted. “On June 12, we actively coordinated Osama’s exit from Gaza with his mother and brother through the Ramon airport.”

“He is now receiving treatment in Italy.”

COGAT added a warning against the misuse of such emotionally powerful images, emphasizing the need to verify facts before forming opinions. “Tragic images rightfully stir strong emotions, but when they’re misused to fuel hatred and lies, they do more harm than good. Don’t let compassion be exploited for propaganda. Check the facts before parroting blame.”

{Matzav.com}