Gazan child used in viral claims of starvation evacuated to Italy, COGAT confirms
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) revealed that a Gazan child with a genetic disorder, whose photo went viral over claims of starvation, had been evacuated from the Gaza Strip in June and is receiving care in Italy.
Five-year-old Osama al-Rakab, along with his mother and brother, were evacuated through the Ramon airport on June 12, COGAT revealed.
'Tragic images rightfully stir strong emotions, but when they're misused to fuel hatred and lies, they do more harm than good,' COGAT wrote in a statement.
'Don't let compassion be exploited for propaganda. Check the facts before parroting blame.'
The Jerusalem Post reached out to COGAT regarding the condition of three-year-old Mohammed, who was featured in a CNN article as a victim of starvation, despite having a genetic disorder as well.
COGAT did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Disagreements regarding starvation in Gaza
US President Donald Trump on Monday stated he disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "that there is no hunger in Gaza because they look very hungry."
Netanyahu claimed that the UN is "creating an excuse and a lie about Israel," by saying that Israel is not allowing humanitarian aid to enter the enclave.
"We are allowing [aid], there are secured routes, there always have been. But today it is official, there will be no more excuses," Netanyahu said on Sunday.
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