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Middle East Eye
5 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Outrage as Netanyahu says no mass starvation in Gaza, suggests Palestinians are overweight
Social media users have slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he insisted that international accusations that Israel is using food as a weapon of war in Gaza are 'a lie', and suggested that Palestinians in the besieged enclave were overweight. Speaking at the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance conference in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Netanyahu said Palestinians in Gaza were not experiencing mass starvation "at all". "We take thousands of prisoners, sort them out into civilians and combatants, and we photograph them... The first thing you do is you tell them, 'Take your shirt off. We want to see that there is no suicide vest.'.. and you don't see one, not one emaciated from the beginning of the war to the present," he said. "In fact, you see quite the opposite because you don't get that much exercise, certainly not in tunnels, but you get food." Clips from the premier's speech spread rapidly online. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "Netanyahu's claims are a shocking denial of reality," one person said. "While Palestinians in Gaza are dying from hunger due to Israel's blockade, he absurdly talks about detainees being overweight." A master of cruelty dressed in a suit—Netanyahu speaks with the callousness of someone who sees suffering as spectacle. To deny starvation while orchestrating siege is not just inhuman, it's diabolical. This isn't leadership—it's moral rot in motion. — The Radical Portion of Quiet (@MilitaryR54316) May 28, 2025 The United Nations and international organisations have repeatedly warned of extreme hunger and the risk of imminent famine in Gaza due to Israel's blocking of aid and humanitarian assistance since the start of the war in October 2023. Since 2 March, Israel has enforced a total blockade of aid, medical, food and fuel supplies, which led to the entirety of Gaza's population being at "critical risk" of famine, according to UN experts. Dozens of children have died due to starvation. The UN and major international humanitarian organisations have also criticised a controversial new US-Israeli aid distribution system as inadequate and a violation of humanitarian principles. "Netanyahu speaks with the callousness of someone who sees suffering as a spectacle," posted another social media user. "To deny starvation while orchestrating a siege is not just inhuman, it's diabolical." Another said:'The only thing that's new here is the admission. This has been the Israeli MO forever'. Others highlighted what they termed Netanyahu's "boasting" of imprisoning thousands of Palestinian civilians and photographing them after making them remove their clothing. Netanyahu admitting here that Israel takes thousands and thousands of civilians as prisoners. — Fahad Ansari 🇵🇸 (Stop the Gaza genocide) (@fahadansari) May 28, 2025 "What kind of leadership boasts about photographing detainees naked to 'prove' they're well-fed?" asked one person. Another said: "He's basically saying that he's taken CIVILIANS as hostages, stripped them of their dignity, studied them in prison labs and made conclusions about them." 'Israel is desperate' In his speech, Netanyahu also took aim at the international pro-Palestinian protest movement, which he labelled "antisemitic" and a threat to civilisation. He called on Israel's allies - including Canada, France, the US and UK - to stand against what he termed 'antisemitic virulence'. "The people who are leading this charge are basically challenging western civilization or free societies as we understand them," he said. "Israel is fighting [a war of] civilisation against barbarism." Several social media users interpreted his words as an attack on free speech and a threat against pro-Palestinian advocates in western countries. One social media user said Netanyahu "put a target on the back of every EU and westerner who opposes the genocide in Gaza", while another said: "Israel officially declared war on us'. Netanyahu's comments that frame Israel's war on Gaza as a fight for 'western civilisation' also come after the recent unprecedented threat of sanctions from the UK, France and Canada, which marked a dramatic shift in policy for all three countries that have been key backers of Israel. Israel's desperate. They have a collapsing economy, a war of attrition with war crimes and genocidal intent being spewed and recorded every day. International pressure is mounting to end the genocide and he still needs to save his skin from going to prison — 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚜 (@Lors1Lo) May 28, 2025 Therefore, some interpreted the leader's speech as a sign that international pressure campaigns against Israel have shown some success. "Israel is desperate," said one social media user. Another added: 'guilt-tripping manipulative speech - allies aren't buying it anymore. Enjoy diplomatic isolation'.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Israeli Gunfire As Desperate Palestinian Crowds Swarm U.S.-backed Gaza Aid Site
FULL: 'Gazans Not Don't Exercise': Netanyahu's Shocker As Israel Faces Fire Over Aid Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu shoots down claims of mass starvation in Gaza during an address to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Conference, chaired by Israel, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. He said that Israel has supplied about 1.8 million tons of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza and 'this means that there cannot be mass starvation at all.' However, he went a step further to explain with an example of Palestinian prisoners. He claimed that there hasn't been a single case of emaciated prisoners but it's quite the opposite as they don't get much exercise. Watch his full speech here. 1.5K views | 7 hours ago
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
FULL: 'Gazans Not Starving...They Don't Exercise': Netanyahu's Shocker As Israel Faces Fire Over Aid
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu shoots down claims of mass starvation in Gaza during an address to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Conference, chaired by Israel, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. He said that Israel has supplied about 1.8 million tons of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza and 'this means that there cannot be mass starvation at all.' However, he went a step further to explain with an example of Palestinian prisoners. He claimed that there hasn't been a single case of emaciated prisoners but it's quite the opposite as they don't get much exercise. Watch his full speech here. Read More
The National
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Tommy Sheppard: End the pretence that Israel is a normal country
Why now? Maybe the campaigning effort of decent folk inside the Labour Party is bearing fruit. Maybe they've been embarrassed in front of other world leaders. Or maybe Netanyahu and his ministers have just gone too far, making it plain that Israeli war aims now include the displacement or eradication of the civilian population of Gaza. It is, of course, very little, very late. The real question is why it has taken so long for a Labour Government to falter in its often generous support for Israel. A big part of the answer is the misunderstanding and confusion within the party of what antisemitism is and how to fight it. Undoubtedly there are opponents of Israel's actions who are antisemitic. But they are a tiny minority dwarfed by the majority of humanity who condemn the Israeli government not because of the religion or culture of its members, but because for generations it has broken international law and denied the human rights of others. READ MORE: UK Government to ask Kosovo to take migrants in Rwanda-style plan The Israeli state's foreign office and its various agencies have worked hard, and with considerable success, to imply any criticism of Israel should be seen as antisemitic. It isn't. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, whose 2016 definition of antisemitism has been adopted by many countries, states clearly that 'criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic'. Despite this, the incessant repetition of accusations of antisemitism towards those criticising Israel causes confusion in the minds of the public. It makes many people who instinctively condemn violations of human rights across the world think twice when they are caused by the Israeli Defence Force. Judgment is clouded. Action inhibited. Far from Israel being judged against the same criteria as others it is often given the benefit of the doubt. The wild response of the Israeli government to the UK's mild rebuke illustrates this perfectly. It accuses Starmer of antisemitism and of supporting Hamas. These claims are ludicrous but they're also dangerous. They trivialise the meaning of antisemitism and weaken the fight against it. Antisemitism is real. It's not about criticism of Israel for committing war crimes but the hatred and demonisation of people because they are Jewish. We should never drop our guard and always ensure Jewish communities are protected. The irony is that many of those who have fought for Palestinian rights have also been the ones at the forefront of resisting antisemitism, fighting on the streets for decades against the fascists who promote it. Playing out in front of our eyes in real time, there is an actual genocide going on in Gaza. It involves a deliberate policy of starving the civilian population, allowing only a trickle of supplies through to maintain a black market and keep the people divided. And it involves the systematic slaughter of civilians from air, land and sea. It is set against a narrative of demonising and dehumanising Palestinians. Take a look at Louis Theroux's programme on Israeli settlers to see clearly the objective they have in mind for the Palestinian people and land they live on. READ MORE: Kenny MacAskill: It's time for McColl to be given another crack at Ferguson Marine Theroux portrays a lethal cocktail of religious extremism, anti-Arab racism and plentiful weaponry which not only terrorises indigenous Palestinians but drives Israeli policy towards their extinction. As the Israeli government gets ready to force the people out of Gaza and begin process of occupying and settling it, the world needs to stop turning a blind eye. We need concrete action to force the Israelis to desist, and we need to be explicit that it has nothing to do with their religion and everything to do with upholding human rights and international law. Despite the violent manner of its creation, there was widespread support across this country for the state of Israel. People understood the desire to create a safe space where Jews can live in peace, see their culture flourish, and never again suffer the pogroms of the past. But this ambition has been hijacked by extreme right-wing forces who can see no co-existence with the peoples of the Middle East. They have turned Israel into a rogue state. Their perspective is the supremacy of one culture over others, a country whose internal security depends on repression and lives in permanent hostility with its neighbours. That offers no future for Palestinians and a miserable one for Israelis. Netanyahu will not stop unless he is made to. The UK's baby steps must become longer strides, acting in concert with others. Israel must be isolated politically and diplomatically. From Eurovision to Uefa, it's time to stop pretending Israel is a normal country just like ours. We must stop all arms sales now and end the UK's complicity in the slaughter of innocents. We must develop and apply economic sanctions as we do with Russia and other major transgressors against international law. And perhaps above all else, we must now give full diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine, accepting an obligation to see that state develop rather than waiting until the land it has been promised disappears under a never-ending military occupation.
Sydney Morning Herald
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Jews and Palestinians deserve dignity equally
David Leser is right: what Israel is doing in Gaza is indefensible (' Israel's actions in Gaza indefensible ', May 17). The mass killing of civilians, starvation and destruction of homes and hospitals cannot be justified. Language matters. Anti-semitism — unlike most racism — is often bound up with tone, implication and intent. Its shape-shifting nature explains why no single definition suffices. As Leser writes, 'Judgment and sensitivity are needed.' Holocaust comparisons, in careless, malign or cynical hands, become Twitter gotchas, not moral insights. Far left and far right alike accuse Jews of 'controlling the media or government' – and some far-left Jews give this language cover. That's not solidarity with Palestine; it's betrayal. But collective punishment, whether of Palestinians or Jews, helps no one. As Leser's article makes clear, Palestinian civilians are now enduring the worst form of it imaginable. Hamas and the Israeli government each treat human life with contempt. Each radicalises the other. And social media – our great engine of outrage – keeps us loyal to our 'team' at all costs. Are we not capable of more than his? Jews and Palestinians are related peoples, both indigenous to the land. Both deserve dignity. What Netanyahu and his cohorts are doing is a betrayal of that shared history – and of people like me, whose family was destroyed in the Holocaust. It is Kahanism. It is odious. Simon Tedeschi, Newtown It's always tempting to take the authoritarian path and declare that something should be compulsory reading for this or that bunch of people. That's particularly the case with David Leser's article. He presents an enlightened comparison between the two most highly publicised definitions of anti-semitism, that of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. Acknowledging that the latter is not perfect, he exposes the perverse implications of the former that allow criticism of Israel to be immediately condemned as anti-semitic. Since one can't dictate the reading diet of politicians, editors or the officials of unrepresentative Jewish organisations, those who share Leser's dismay at Israel's inhumanity can only voice a plea for his analysis to be read widely and taken with the utmost seriousness. As he concludes, 'defending Palestinian life and dignity' is not anti-semitic, but 'an expression of our human and Jewish ethics'. Tom Knowles, Parkville (Vic) Thank you, David Leser. While I have been deeply anguished watching the slaughter in Gaza, I rarely spoke aloud, fearing expressing anti-semitic thoughts. I silenced myself. Your analysis of Israel's decimation of the people of Gaza is similar in style, if not in scale, to the Holocaust. Your analysis of different definitions of anti-semitism is liberating. This opinion does not ignore the horrific actions of Hamas. Victor Branson, Waterloo David Leser should not despair, what is being inflicted by Israel on the people of Gaza is not something Jews in general have to own responsibility for. It is something being carried out by a country against a captive group within its borders, by a leader whose bloodlust appears to only be capable of being satiated by murder on a grand scale. John Guy, St Ives Who could argue with David Leser's analysis? Who would want to? He speaks as a humanitarian with rationality and bravery in the interest of telling the truth about Gaza. The pain he undoubtedly feels in bringing Israel to account should be assuaged by the fact future historians will certainly agree we've witnessed a Palestinian Holocaust, consciously perpetrated by the people who, ironically, used their own Holocaust to justify their genocidal actions. Those who disagree with Leser need to put forward a rational argument as to where and why he's wrong. Simply dismissing him as 'anti-semitic' is to run away from reality. Tim Lenehan, Ballalaba Criticism of Israel's actions, when they are cruel and inhuman and violate the human rights of Palestinians, is not anti-semitic. Standing up for the weak and powerless when the aggressor is the state of Israel is not anti-semitism. Criticising the actions of Israel is not, by definition, anti-semitic. Our children and grandchildren will ask us how this genocide was allowed to happen. I don't think they'll find our fear of being called anti-semitic a convincing excuse for silence. Prue Nelson, Cremorne Point In criticising the IHRA definition of antisemitism for supposedly being overprotective of Israel, David Leser neglects to mention it specifically states that criticising Israel as you would criticise any other country is not anti-semitic. In saying it's anti-semitic to describe Israel's existence as a racist endeavour, the definition doesn't refer to Israel's behaviour, as Leser implies, but to suggesting Jewish self-determination in the Jewish homeland is somehow racist. Those who favour the Jerusalem Declaration do so because it lets them feel it's somehow not anti-semitic to deny Jewish self-determination in their homeland while demanding that same right for others. Leser's accusations of apartheid, genocide and deliberate starvation are simply wrong. All Israeli citizens have equal rights, and the restrictions in the West Bank are purely for security, necessitated by terrorism. In Gaza, Israel evacuates civilians for their safety, rather than targeting them as a genocidal army would do, and it only attacks civilian buildings and facilities because Hamas illegally militarises them, making them legitimate and important targets. Israel blocked aid, after enough entered Gaza to last for months, because Hamas steals and uses it to consolidate its power, but deliveries will soon resume. Jamie Hyams, Director of Public Affairs, Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, Melbourne (Vic) Energy divides Coalition Apparently, Australians don't know their own minds (' Trump set to bedevil Coalition ', May 17). According to Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, 'Obviously, our country is best served by a strong Nationals-and Liberals Coalition government'; she went on to suggest this Coalition may not hold. At the heart of the Coalition's troubles – Peter Hartcher characterises it as a 'civil war' – is energy policy. With many Coalition members still denying the need to commit to renewables, and the consequent policy insecurity that that signals to investors, Canavan, Joyce and others see their chance to dump the by-now totally inadequate net zero target. Ted O'Brien tries to square the circle by still advocating nuclear to achieve it. All this should be, in light of the election result, a moot point as Labor ploughs on with our energy transformation. Yet it seems the Nationals will continue their lobbying and stirring, particularly in regions where renewables are seeking social licence. But what most, including the National Farmers Federation, understand is that we are in a race against climate change. The Coalition can no longer hold us back. Fiona Colin, Malvern East (Vic) Saudis send signal Nothing sends a more powerful signal about the future of energy than Saudi Arabia planning to become a renewable energy superpower (' Trump and Saudi's crown prince truly deserve each other ', May 17). It has gained more than any other nation from the oil boom of the past 50 years, but also has the most to a nation whose destiny is also tied to fossil fuels, Australia would do well to heed this lesson. Sooner or later, demand for our coal and gas will decline, then enter a tailspin. We will need new exports to fill the gap. The sooner we start planning for this the better. Ken Enderby, Concord Confusion over super is taxing I'm a bit concerned that your correspondent (Letters, May 17) thinks he should be taxed on his superannuation. Did he not pay tax during his working life? Does his super fund not pay tax? Does he not pay tax on the income from his investments? I appreciate his sentiments, but he hasn't given it much thought. In any event, Jim Chalmers does indeed want to introduce tax on superannuation balances over $3 million. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill The tax system is very broken when one can legally pay no tax, or when there is a tax on a tax. A progressive (income tax) and flat tax (GST) with a combination of legal but dubious deductions is a recipe for tax chaos that makes for an unfair system that seems to benefit the wealthy. Peter Mohacsi, Bowral I agree with your correspondent who suggests retirees on generous super payouts need to be taxed. Self-managed super funds have become like a magic pudding. The more one cuts into them, the greater they grow. If the fund is large enough, payments are quickly replaced by capital gains of one kind or another after the annual drawdown. And no taxes are levied. For many retirees, the income from investments in retirement can become much greater than the taxable wages earned during their working lives. This is a strange inversion. I note that the major policy of one of the few Liberal candidates still hanging out for a seat is that no taxation be levelled at superannuation income. No wonder he's struggling. Fear and greed remain the twin emotions of capitalism. We can do better. Bruce Wilson, Merewether Heights Oh, what an opportunity we missed when the proposed reforms of the opposition were buried at the 2019 election. Negative gearing applicable only to new dwellings, change in capital gains, a small tax of 15 per cent on retirement fund incomes above $100,000 – what a difference these would have made to the housing situation and budget repair. My highly credentialled daughter works six days a week to earn little more than my fund earnings of $128,000, yet she pays $37,000 in tax per year and I pay none. How inequitable is that? Looks like another Boomer-ing advantage over everyone n else. Duncan Cameron, Lane Cove Why not simply give or donate more? Edward Loong, Milsons Point Patriotism still not accepted 'Progressive patriotism' (Letters, May 17) must be intended as a foil to the MAGA-style regressive patriotism we see in the US, but the expression reeks of overkill: we don't face the same situation as Canada, where patriotism has a much sharper edge as a result of Trump not only wanting to make America great, but territorially greater by annexing a sovereign nation. Here, those leaning to the right will see 'progressive' as a Trojan horse potentially unleashing a Pandora's box of policies to upend the status quo, while for others on the left the idea of lining up under a jingoistic 'patriotism' banner is a move well outside their comfort zone. This surely is a political slogan with a limited shelf-life. Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills Patriotism is a poor choice for Labor's slogan. For many people, it conjures up memories of the last century, when most of the wars could be traced back to scoundrels and despots hiding behind the banner of patriotism to expand their empires. When linked with 'progressive', which implies looking to the future, the slogan has the ring of an oxymoron, and Labor would be unwise to fall in behind the moron who proposed it. I agree with letter writers that 'patriotism' is also a quality that can be trumpeted by all political wannabes across the spectrum, and so it becomes meaningless. John Vigours, Neutral Bay Good news for the environment Given the dire state of our natural environment, it is encouraging that new Environment Minister Murray Watt is prioritising reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (' Watt revamps environment laws Albanese once blocked ', May 17). His first test is whether to allow a 50-year extension of Woodside's North West Shelf fossil gas terminal. Approval will compromise Labor's climate credentials, threaten marine species at Scott Reef, degrade ancient Murujuga rock art and impose global costs. Climate harm caused by BHP, Rio Tinto, Santos, Whitehaven and Woodside between 1991-2020 exceeds $900 billion. With a strong mandate from the electorate to act on climate change, this is an opportunity for Minister Watt and Labor to demonstrate leadership. The world cannot afford 50 more years of Woodside's pollution. Karen Lamb, Geelong (Vic) Bad luck to be old My congratulations to Nola Tucker (Letters, May 17) on her well-written 'apology' to NSW hospital commissioner Beasley and the Minns government over her 'nonagenarian husband' occasionally being forced to occupy a public hospital bed. We of the pre-Boomer generation are slow to anger, but once our ire is well aglow, it would be as well to recall that we still vote and have loving families who also vote, and that 'young puppy' politicians and bureaucrats with gratuitous insults will feel our sting. Ian Usman Lewis, Armidale I do apologise to residents of NSW for being part of 'an avalanche of ageing' and, worse, for having 'high expectations' of our health system. If it's any consolation. the 'ageing' thing has quite taken me by surprise too. Peter Skinner, Beecroft Gambling with society Tim Costello is spot-on (' Ministry pairing 'conflict of interest ‴ , May 17). Gambling, especially sports gambling, is a dead-set national health issue. The only role sporting codes, media companies and wagering firms should play in its discussion is about how many zillions of dollars they will contribute to address the massive damage they have done. Who's running our nation – our federal government or the various sporting codes, media companies and wagering firms? Col Shephard, Yamba Sad loss Condolences to Sussan Ley on the death of her mother (‴ Gift of fate': Sussan Ley mourns death of mother Angela ', May 17). Irrespective of your age or status, the loss of a parent is one of the saddest and most harrowing of all of life's experiences. Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt
