Middle East Israeli Media Ignored Gaza Starvation—Is That Changing Now?

[CharlieH]

 

A growing focus on hunger in Gaza in the global media has led some Israeli outlets to report on it for the first time

 

 

Images of emaciated Palestinian children and grieving families in Gaza have stirred international outrage.

However, the response within Israel has been notably subdued. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute revealed that 79% of Jewish Israelis are "not very troubled" or "not troubled at all" by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

 

Anat Saragusti, a media expert, explains that many Israelis remain unaware due to a lack of coverage. “With few outlets like Haaretz covering the crisis,

Mainstream media have largely ignored the dire situation,” she said. Until recently, reports from Gaza have often been filtered or overlooked, leaving Israelis in the dark about the realities faced by Palestinians.

 

In response to growing international pressure, some Israeli media have started reporting on Gaza's hunger crisis. Yet, these reports often frame the issue as debatable, reflecting broader national narratives centred on security concerns. Public discourse in Israel continues to focus on the hostages captured by Hamas and military objectives in Gaza, sidelining humanitarian concerns.

 

Following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, the media and public conversation have largely adopted the government's perspective on the conflict. Many view the military operations in Gaza as legitimate self-defence. This viewpoint overshadows the severe humanitarian impacts and distances many Jewish Israelis from the plight of Palestinians.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that reports of widespread starvation are part of a "Hamas-orchestrated campaign", denying any deliberate policy of starvation. Despite these claims, reports from aid agencies and the UN highlight severe food insecurity in Gaza, contradicting the official narrative.

 

The UN World Food Programme reports that one-third of Gaza’s population experiences severe hunger, with half a million residents on the brink of starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has called for an urgent ceasefire to address the "widespread starvation" affecting the territory.

 

Despite these alarming statistics, Israeli media outlets often reflect Netanyahu's stance, showcasing a significant divide between international perceptions and domestic narratives. Recent reports note several more deaths related to starvation, further illustrating the deepening crisis.

 

Internationally, voices like former US President Donald Trump, a key Netanyahu ally, have acknowledged the severity of the imagery coming from Gaza. However, Netanyahu has dismissed these images as fake, claiming they are part of a plot against Israel. This reinforces narratives that keep Israeli public consciousness distanced from Gaza's humanitarian plight.

 

Protests in Tel Aviv have emerged, with demonstrators urging the government to cease hostilities against Palestinians. Protesters, such as Lenny Kadmon and Gal Alkalay, express horror at the situation, calling for an end to the war to address starvation and secure the return of Israeli hostages.

 

Though more Israeli intellectuals are speaking out against the government’s actions in Gaza, they remain a minority. Prominent figures like author David Grossman have used strong language, calling the situation "genocide," a term that few are willing to adopt openly within Israel.

 

Despite growing awareness, many Israelis still align with the government’s narrative due to longstanding security concerns and historical contexts. In Jerusalem, where tensions between Arabs and Israelis are especially sharp, the government’s narrative continues to dominate among Jewish residents.

 

The crisis in Gaza challenges Israeli media and public opinion, highlighting the vast gulf between international outrage and domestic narratives shaped by security priorities. As the situation evolves, the potential for change hinges on increased awareness and dialogue within and outside Israel.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-18

 

 

[loong]

It is impossible to know exactly to what extent people are suffering from lack of food because there are just so many fake reports.

 

https://nypost.com/2025/08/18/opinion/with-every-photo-of-a-starving-gazans-proving-fake-beware-of-claims-of-gaza-famine/

 

https://petapixel.com/2025/08/07/controversy-and-confusion-swirl-over-staged-photos-of-starvation-in-gaza/

 

Sorry, links don't seem to be working, maybe a mod can fix it.
You can copy and paste into the address bar for now.

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, CharlieH said:

 

A growing focus on hunger in Gaza in the global media has led some Israeli outlets to report on it for the first time

 

 

Images of emaciated Palestinian children and grieving families in Gaza have stirred international outrage.

However, the response within Israel has been notably subdued. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute revealed that 79% of Jewish Israelis are "not very troubled" or "not troubled at all" by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

 

Anat Saragusti, a media expert, explains that many Israelis remain unaware due to a lack of coverage. “With few outlets like Haaretz covering the crisis,

Mainstream media have largely ignored the dire situation,” she said. Until recently, reports from Gaza have often been filtered or overlooked, leaving Israelis in the dark about the realities faced by Palestinians.

 

In response to growing international pressure, some Israeli media have started reporting on Gaza's hunger crisis. Yet, these reports often frame the issue as debatable, reflecting broader national narratives centred on security concerns. Public discourse in Israel continues to focus on the hostages captured by Hamas and military objectives in Gaza, sidelining humanitarian concerns.

 

Following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, the media and public conversation have largely adopted the government's perspective on the conflict. Many view the military operations in Gaza as legitimate self-defence. This viewpoint overshadows the severe humanitarian impacts and distances many Jewish Israelis from the plight of Palestinians.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that reports of widespread starvation are part of a "Hamas-orchestrated campaign", denying any deliberate policy of starvation. Despite these claims, reports from aid agencies and the UN highlight severe food insecurity in Gaza, contradicting the official narrative.

 

The UN World Food Programme reports that one-third of Gaza’s population experiences severe hunger, with half a million residents on the brink of starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has called for an urgent ceasefire to address the "widespread starvation" affecting the territory.

 

Despite these alarming statistics, Israeli media outlets often reflect Netanyahu's stance, showcasing a significant divide between international perceptions and domestic narratives. Recent reports note several more deaths related to starvation, further illustrating the deepening crisis.

 

Internationally, voices like former US President Donald Trump, a key Netanyahu ally, have acknowledged the severity of the imagery coming from Gaza. However, Netanyahu has dismissed these images as fake, claiming they are part of a plot against Israel. This reinforces narratives that keep Israeli public consciousness distanced from Gaza's humanitarian plight.

 

Protests in Tel Aviv have emerged, with demonstrators urging the government to cease hostilities against Palestinians. Protesters, such as Lenny Kadmon and Gal Alkalay, express horror at the situation, calling for an end to the war to address starvation and secure the return of Israeli hostages.

 

Though more Israeli intellectuals are speaking out against the government’s actions in Gaza, they remain a minority. Prominent figures like author David Grossman have used strong language, calling the situation "genocide," a term that few are willing to adopt openly within Israel.

 

Despite growing awareness, many Israelis still align with the government’s narrative due to longstanding security concerns and historical contexts. In Jerusalem, where tensions between Arabs and Israelis are especially sharp, the government’s narrative continues to dominate among Jewish residents.

 

The crisis in Gaza challenges Israeli media and public opinion, highlighting the vast gulf between international outrage and domestic narratives shaped by security priorities. As the situation evolves, the potential for change hinges on increased awareness and dialogue within and outside Israel.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-18

 

 

The murders are going on.

Time for UN actions

[thaipo7]

Just now, loong said:

It is impossible to know exactly to what extent people are suffering from lack of food because there are just so many fake reports.

 

https://nypost.com/2025/08/18/opinion/with-every-photo-of-a-starving-gazans-proving-fake-beware-of-claims-of-gaza-famine/

 

https://petapixel.com/2025/08/07/controversy-and-confusion-swirl-over-staged-photos-of-starvation-in-gaza/

You are correct.  Why is this Israel's job.  How about the other 200 million people in the countries surrounding Israel?

[Chomper Higgot]

52 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

You are correct.  Why is this Israel's job.  How about the other 200 million people in the countries surrounding Israel?

Israel have occupied Gaza and therefore are bound by international law as outlined below:

https://www.icrc.org/en/document/ihl-occupying-power-responsibilities-occupied-palestinian-territories

[unblocktheplanet]

I guess Israelis think this is just fake news.

[NickyLouie]

1 minute ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I guess Israelis think this is just fake news.

 

 

Show us some proof and not some link from Lib media ....

 

[connda]

From individuals whom I know who read Hebrew media, Hebrew media outlets very much DO cover

it.  It's more likely that non-Israeli English language media are the most at fault regarding ignoring coverage of what is transpiring in Gaza and the West Bank. 

12 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that reports of widespread starvation are part of a "Hamas-orchestrated campaign", denying any deliberate policy of starvation. Despite these claims, reports from aid agencies and the UN highlight severe food insecurity in Gaza, contradicting the official narrative.

Want to prove it.  Then allow all major media outlets as well as the UN to have access to Gaza.  But - nope.  If nobody has noticed, foreign journalists has the shelf life of fresh fish in Gaza. 

[Nick Carter icp]

15 minutes ago, connda said:

From individuals whom I know who read Hebrew media, Hebrew media outlets very much DO cover

it.  It's more likely that non-Israeli English language media are the most at fault regarding ignoring coverage of what is transpiring in Gaza and the West Bank. 

 

   Western Media cover the Gaza much much more than they cover other wars . 

   Infact ALL other wars very rarely even get a mention , whilst there's a daily commentary on the Gaza war .

   Gaza war is often headline news in the UK media , whilst other wars get an occasional mention tucked away somewhere on page 7 

[Evil Penevil]

10 hours ago, thaipo7 said:

It is impossible to know exactly to what extent people are suffering from lack of food because there are just so many fake reports.

 If you look at this report of Gazans banging pots for food, the kids are smiling.  It looks like they are enjoying a staged scene, not starving.  None of the people in the video look like they are starving, especially not the older women.

 

EDIT IN  for context:  The intro on Youtube said "Heartbreaking scenes from Gaza show residents banging on empty pots and pans, a desperate symbol of hunger and hardship. At a food distribution point, limited supplies are handed out to starving families amid the ongoing blockade and humanitarian collapse."

 

 

RoyaNews is a Jordanian news agency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x9GMmq4Ay0

 

[Hanaguma]

2 minutes ago, Evil Penevil said:

 If you look at this report of Gazans banging pots for food, the kids are smiling.  It looks like they are enjoying a staged scene, not starving.  None of the people in the video look like they are starving, especially not the older women.

 

 

It is remarkably similar to the scenes of well-fed looking mothers holding babies with genetic conditions and claiming they are starving.

[Evil Penevil]

22 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

It is remarkably similar to the scenes of well-fed looking mothers holding babies with genetic conditions and claiming they are starving.

 

This is a screenshot from the video in my post above.  The enthusiastic pot-banger doesn't look like he's missed many meals.  I don't think his biceps are fake.  He must work out a lot at the Hamas gym in Gaza.  Or maybe it's a different sort of training?

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x9GMmq4Ay0

 

[NickyLouie]

41 minutes ago, Evil Penevil said:

 

This is a screenshot from the video in my post above.  The enthusiastic pot-banger doesn't look like he's missed many meals.  I don't think his biceps are fake.  He must work out a lot at the Hamas gym in Gaza.  Or maybe it's a different sort of training?

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x9GMmq4Ay0

 

 

 

It's because this is all BS 

 

Ain't no lil Muzzie starving in Gaza , unless Hamas is shooting all the drivers of the AID trucks 

and looting all the food......

 

Be gone with Palestine !!!!!!

 

 

 

[unblocktheplanet]

18 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

 If you look at this report of Gazans banging pots for food, the kids are smiling.  It looks like they are enjoying a staged scene, not starving.  None of the people in the video look like they are starving, especially not the older women.

You think kids can't have fun banging on pots & pans? My kids sure did!

 

So, don't believe the UN is if think this is not a war by starvation.

[Evil Penevil]

 

4 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

You think kids can't have fun banging on pots & pans? My kids sure did!

 

I certainly do think children can have fun banging on pots.  That's the whole point.  The kids in the video are having fun, not really protesting starvation.  Some more screen shots from the video:

 

 

In the manner of kids everywhere, one boy seems to be teasing another boy by banging the pot close to his ears.

 

 

4 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

So, don't believe the UN is if think this is not a war by starvation.

 

 

No, I don't.  I believe  the U.N. committees, agencies, special rapporteurs, investigators, etc. that condemn Israel are driven by classic antisemitism, but that's a topic beyond the scope of this thread.

 

But if starvation is occurring in Gaza, I would suggest the overweight Hamas operative distributing food in the pic below (my yellow arrow) give most of the food he consumes to those who Hamas claims really need it.  He could live for a month at least on his body fat.

 

 

[Somjot]

On 8/19/2025 at 7:08 PM, Evil Penevil said:

 If you look at this report of Gazans banging pots for food, the kids are smiling.  It looks like they are enjoying a staged scene, not starving.  None of the people in the video look like they are starving, especially not the older women.

 

EDIT IN  for context:  The intro on Youtube said "Heartbreaking scenes from Gaza show residents banging on empty pots and pans, a desperate symbol of hunger and hardship. At a food distribution point, limited supplies are handed out to starving families amid the ongoing blockade and humanitarian collapse."

 

 

RoyaNews is a Jordanian news agency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x9GMmq4Ay0

 

 

On 8/19/2025 at 7:12 PM, Hanaguma said:

It is remarkably similar to the scenes of well-fed looking mothers holding babies with genetic conditions and claiming they are starving.

 

On 8/19/2025 at 8:21 PM, NickyLouie said:

 

 

It's because this is all BS 

 

Ain't no lil Muzzie starving in Gaza , unless Hamas is shooting all the drivers of the AID trucks 

and looting all the food......

 

Be gone with Palestine !!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Let me get this straight.

 

Israel is blocking any Aid into Gaza.

 

Some say it is to kill as many Gazans as possible.

 

Some say, Israels does that to stop Hamas stealing aid and selling it to Gazans overprized and buying weapons with that money and to pressure the Gazans to release the hostages. 

 

One might argue about that as if they are so concerned about the hostages why would they bomb every building where they could have been held captive but let`s not waste time with trifles.

 

Let`s also not ask ourselves how someone can possibly feed 2 Million people with 4 (!) distribution sites.

 

But whoever is right, there is no argument about Israel blocking food into Gaza, which will ultimately lead to starvation.

 

But you guys spot one fat guy and one bizeps, which has been trained at "Hamas Gym", of course, where else, the shape of that biceps gave it away - Hamasceps - and now you doubt the whole starvation thing??

 

I don`t know, if you guys have any idea how starvation works. It is not like on a weight watchers cruise ship with fat people on a diet.

 

It is always the poorest, who die first, while the richer one`s can afford food.

 

And it is always the weakest, with special needs for example medication or nutrition, who suffer the most.

 

But you spot some well fed woman, which must be the mother, no way it is a nurse or someone else as the mother might be dead already, with a sick child and think you just debunked the whole mass murder your Izzies have done to the muzzies is not true??

 

 

Seriously your level of cynicism and disregard of Palestinian life is not human anymore.

[rickudon]

On 8/19/2025 at 8:21 PM, NickyLouie said:

 

 

It's because this is all BS 

 

Ain't no lil Muzzie starving in Gaza , unless Hamas is shooting all the drivers of the AID trucks 

and looting all the food......

 

Be gone with Palestine !!!!!!

 

 

 

Obnoxious post. Not one iota of truth in it. Is everyone starving in Gaza? Probably not, but most are. Since the start of this particular war, Israel has committed numerous, calculated, humanitarian abuses - and not just in Gaza.

 

Historically, ethnic cleansing in Palestine  started a 100 years ago - at first peacefully, by financial inducements, but ever since WW2, by force and repression. Regrettably with the help of the USA, which helped arm the Jews . USA pressurised other countries to support the creation of Israel, giving them an unfair share of the land, which helped provoke the war after Israel's creation in 1948. Ever since, the Middle-east has been destabilized by Israel's thirst for land. Not just Palestinian land - also In Lebanon and Syria. The right wing, nationalist Jews want to recreate the biblical Israel.

 

You may think Israel is the wests friend. Do not be so sure about that. They also have close ties to Russia.

[jayboy]

2 hours ago, Somjot said:

But whoever is right, there is no argument about Israel blocking food into Gaza, which will ultimately lead to starvation.

 

Actually I think there is an argument about that.Perhaps you need to research it or is self righteous ranting more satisfying?

 

On the subject of research maybe you should also look at a map of Gaza.Last time I looked there was a land border with Egypt.Are the Arab nations sending food aid through to their brethren ? If not, why not?

[Rimmer]

An inflammatory post and a reply have been removed 

[rickudon]

1 hour ago, jayboy said:

On the subject of research maybe you should also look at a map of Gaza.Last time I looked there was a land border with Egypt.Are the Arab nations sending food aid through to their brethren ? If not, why not?

Israel still control the border crossings. Egypt would require permission to send in aid, which due to the blockade, is presumably denied.

[newbee2022]

On 8/19/2025 at 9:34 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

Israel have occupied Gaza and therefore are bound by international law as outlined below:

https://www.icrc.org/en/document/ihl-occupying-power-responsibilities-occupied-palestinian-territories

Since when Israel respect International laws?