In a recent post published on The Intercept, author Bari Weiss attempts to discredit the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza by claiming that preexisting conditions are responsible for the starvation of children in the region. This article, titled “Bari Weiss’s Free Press Wants You to Know Some Kids Being Starved by Israel Were Already Sick”, is a prime example of dangerous and misleading rhetoric that seeks to shift the blame away from the real perpetrators of violence and suffering.
Weiss’s piece begins with a dismissive and condescending tone, referring to the investigation into preexisting conditions in starving kids in Gaza as nothing more than quotation marks around the word “investigation”. This immediately sets the tone for the rest of the article, which aims to undermine the severity of the situation in Gaza and discredit any attempts to shed light on the truth.
The comparison drawn between the children in Gaza and Anne Frank is not only insensitive but also completely baseless. Anne Frank was a victim of the Holocaust, a systematic genocide carried out by the Nazi regime. The children in Gaza, on the other hand, are victims of a brutal military occupation and blockade imposed by Israel. To equate the two is not only ignorant but also disrespectful to the memory of Anne Frank and all those who suffered and died in the Holocaust.
Weiss goes on to claim that the “same logic” used to blame Israel for the starvation of children in Gaza is akin to blaming typhus for the death of Anne Frank. This comparison is not only absurd but also dangerous. It seeks to erase the responsibility of the Israeli government and military in the ongoing crisis in Gaza and absolve them of any wrongdoing.
The truth is that the children in Gaza are not dying because of preexisting conditions. They are dying because of the Israeli blockade that restricts the entry of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, into the region. According to the United Nations, the blockade has led to an 80% dependence on humanitarian aid for the population of Gaza. This means that without aid, the people of Gaza would not have access to basic necessities like food and medicine.
Moreover, the blockade has also severely damaged the economy in Gaza, leaving many families without a source of income. This has resulted in high levels of poverty and unemployment, making it even more challenging for families to provide for their children’s basic needs. The situation is further exacerbated by frequent Israeli military attacks, which have destroyed critical infrastructure and left many homeless and displaced.
Weiss’s attempt to shift the blame onto preexisting conditions is not only false but also dangerous. It seeks to downplay the severity of the crisis in Gaza and justify the continued oppression and violence against the Palestinian people. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about Palestinians, portraying them as inherently weak and prone to illness.
It is essential to remember that the children in Gaza are not just statistics or pawns in a political game. They are innocent human beings who deserve to live in dignity and have their basic human rights respected. The fact that some of them may have preexisting conditions does not diminish the responsibility of the Israeli government to ensure their well-being and safety.
In conclusion, Bari Weiss’s article is a prime example of biased and misleading journalism that seeks to distort the truth and perpetuate harmful narratives. It is essential to hold the media accountable for their reporting and to demand fair and accurate coverage of the situation in Gaza. The suffering of the children in Gaza must not be ignored or diminished, and it is our responsibility to speak out against any attempts to do so.
