The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine has once again brought to light the dire situation in Gaza. The ongoing violence has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and has left thousands of people displaced. Amidst all this chaos, there have been reports of children in Gaza starving due to the blockade imposed by Israel. However, what is even more concerning is the attempt by some media outlets to downplay this issue by claiming that these children were already sick and therefore their deaths cannot be solely attributed to starvation.
One such media outlet is Bari Weiss’s Free Press, which recently published an article titled “Bari Weiss’s Free Press Wants You to Know Some Kids Being Starved by Israel Were Already Sick”. The article attempts to discredit the investigation conducted by The Intercept into preexisting conditions in starving kids in Gaza. It uses the same flawed logic that would have us believe that Anne Frank died of typhus and not because of the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which these children are living. Gaza has been under a blockade by Israel since 2007, severely restricting the movement of people and goods. This has resulted in an economic crisis, with high unemployment rates and a shortage of basic necessities. The United Nations has warned that Gaza could become uninhabitable by 2020 if the blockade continues. In such dire circumstances, it is not surprising that children are suffering from malnutrition and starvation.
The investigation conducted by The Intercept sheds light on the reality of the situation in Gaza. It reveals that the blockade has severely impacted the healthcare system, making it difficult for children to receive proper treatment for their preexisting conditions. The article by Bari Weiss’s Free Press completely ignores this crucial aspect and instead chooses to focus on the fact that these children were already sick. This is a classic case of victim-blaming and an attempt to shift the blame from Israel to the children and their families.
It is also important to note that the blockade has not only affected the physical health of children but also their mental health. The constant fear of airstrikes and violence has resulted in a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children in Gaza. This further adds to the vulnerability of these children and makes them more susceptible to illnesses.
The article by Bari Weiss’s Free Press not only downplays the severity of the situation in Gaza but also undermines the efforts of The Intercept to bring attention to this issue. It is disheartening to see a media outlet using such tactics to discredit a well-researched investigation. Instead of acknowledging the reality of the situation and urging for a resolution, the article chooses to spread misinformation and deflect responsibility.
It is also worth mentioning that the article fails to mention the role of Israel in the current situation in Gaza. The blockade and the ongoing violence are a direct result of Israel’s policies towards Palestine. It is the responsibility of the occupying power to ensure the well-being of the occupied population, including children. Instead of addressing this, the article chooses to focus on the preexisting conditions of the children, as if that justifies the suffering they are enduring.
In conclusion, the article published by Bari Weiss’s Free Press is a prime example of biased and irresponsible journalism. It not only undermines the gravity of the situation in Gaza but also attempts to shift the blame from Israel to the victims. It is important for media outlets to report the truth and hold those in power accountable, instead of spreading misinformation and further perpetuating the suffering of innocent children. It is time for the international community to take action and put an end to the blockade and violence in Gaza, and ensure the protection and well-being of all children.
