As international scrutiny intensifies on Israel regarding accusations of starving the Gaza Strip, a significant portion of the Israeli population remains largely convinced that neither its army nor its government bears responsibility for the dire situation.
Regular demonstrations are occurring across Israel, advocating for an end to the Gaza Strip invasion. These protests are driven by a dual desire: the return of Israeli hostages and an end to the suffering of Palestinian civilians.on Thursday evening in Tel Aviv, a large exhibition saw photos of hungry children from Gaza being displayed prominently.
>> Read: In Tel Aviv, photos of Gazaouis children challenge public opinion
While these Israelis, often from the left, acknowledge the suffering of Gaza’s civilians, they predominantly reject attributing blame to their government. “I am convinced that the IDF has no intention of starving civilians. While I may oppose this government, I am certain its goal is not to orchestrate a famine,” stated one demonstrator to RTS microphones.
Instinctively, they consider the people of Gaza as an enemy. They feel obliged to attack or flee.
The Israeli government maintains that famine is not even occurring in Gaza. The army frequently disseminates images of humanitarian aid trucks entering the enclave, alongside claims that millions of tons of aid are being delivered, while accusing Hamas of appropriating it. Israeli media coverage also tends to minimize the horrors experienced by Palestinians.
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This narrative resonates with a large majority of Israelis, though a small group of activists challenges it. “More than 26,000 children have been hospitalized for malnutrition, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health,” reported Adi Argove, a pacifist activist and curator of a site documenting Gaza’s victims. Argove suggests that Israelis’ reluctance to acknowledge famine in Gaza stems from the shock of the October 7th massacres. “They tell themselves: ‘If I start to feel pity for the lion pursuing me, I’ll be eaten’,” she explains. “Instinctively, they consider the people of Gaza as an enemy. They feel obliged to attack or flee.This is more or less what is happening in Israeli society.”
Startera Sarta’
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