Viral photo of Gaza boy misused to promote false starvation narrative

In June 2023, five-year-old Palestinian child Osama al-Raqab was evacuated from Gaza to Italy for medical treatment after a photograph of him surfaced on social media. This image depicted al-Raqab as visibly underweight and distressed, leading many to erroneously associate it with claims of famine in Gaza. Israeli officials, specifically the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), clarified that al-Raqab suffers from a severe genetic illness, which they assert is unrelated to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation in the area. In July 2023, COGAT condemned the manipulation of al-Raqab's image to promote narratives of starvation and emphasized the importance of verifying information before making public statements. They also shared a more recent photograph of al-Raqab receiving care in an Italian hospital as evidence of his medical condition. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid efforts by the Israel Defense Forces had initiated airdrops into specific areas of Gaza, alongside establishing daily pauses to allow safe passage for aid convoys. The conflict between Israel and Hamas remains ongoing, with significant casualties reported on both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated unequivocally that there is no starvation in Gaza, reiterating Israel's commitment to combatting Hamas and working towards the release of hostages taken during attacks in October 2022. As the situation continues to evolve, awareness about the distinction between propaganda and factual humanitarian issues becomes critical. The use of al-Raqab's image illustrates a larger problem of misinformation and propaganda amidst a deeply complex and distressing conflict. As humanitarian needs rise and the international community becomes more involved, the veracity of representations in media will play a crucial role in shaping perceptions and responses to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.